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ISIS Report 03/03/05
Special ISIS Lecture
Your Genes or Your Health
Why Genomics Won’t Deliver the Health of Nations
The UK government launched a DNA BioBank in 2002 to collect DNA samples
from 500 000 volunteers aged 45-69 to "capitalise on the knowledge from the
Human Genome Project, which made available the genetic book of life". The hope
is that by combining genetic, medical and lifestyle information, the study will
unravel the origins of important diseases such as heart disease, cancer,
diabetes and Alzheimer’s, and lead to improved diagnosis, treatment and
prevention.
The study has been funded at £62 million so far; but this is just
a small fraction of the total cost needed, which is closer to £10
billion.
How realistic are the aims of the study? Are they scientifically
achievable? What about the downsides of the project, such as the threat to
genetic privacy, the potential for genetic discrimination and the resurgence of
eugenics?
Dr. Mae-Wan Ho says the content of the science is just as important as
the context, and explains why she has referred to the human genome as a "big
white elephant": a useless idol that will bankrupt the nation, robbing the
public of investments that can really deliver health to the nation, equitably
and effectively.
The fully referenced lecture and power point are available on CD at
ISIS online bookstore now.
Details
here
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