The Code: Genetic Testing
The Human Genome Project has revealed a number of genes that contribute to genetic diseases. In fact the onset of a disease that has genetic roots can be detected decades before the first symptom. Such extraordinary advances have generated a host of...
Treating Metabolic Diseases
Dr. Ed McCabe, Chief of the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, talks about progress that's been made in treating those afflicted with Sickle Cell disease, PKU (phenylketonuria) and other metabolic disorders.
Violence and Genetics
Dean Hamer, Director of the Gene Structure and Regulation Unit at the National Cancer Institute, talks about a family in Holland that included multiple individuals who were violent criminals. This behavior prompted scientists to explore possible gen...
The Code: Ethical Questions Raised by Genetic Manipulation
When is comes to genetic manipulation ethicists ask where do you draw the line. Which kinds of treatment are appropriate and which are not? Harold Varmus, former head of the National Institutes of Health, says that many doctors and researchers draw ...
In Utero Treatment
Dr. Ed McCabe, Chief of the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, talks about progress that's been made in treating disorders in utero, including heart failure and neural tube defects.
The Book of Life: Genetics and Evolution
Likening the beauty and complexity of DNA to an epic poem, this program revolves around the idea that we all carry the story of life on Earth in our genes, and that the similarities between species may play a more significant role in that story than...
Genetic Testing and Privacy
Dr. Ed McCabe, Chief of the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, explains that he believes it's imperative that the rights of the individual be protected as regards genetic testing. This can mean anything from not having testing done if someone doesn...
Genetics of Personality, The
Dean Hamer, Director of the Gene Structure and Regulation Unit at the National Cancer Institute, talks about the link between the gene involved in dopamine metabolism and the personality of those who tend to be thrill seekers.
Counseling, Genetics, and Risk
Dr. Ed McCabe, Chief of the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, talks about the different ways people react when they learn that their unborn child is at risk for severe malformation or mental retardation. Dr. McCabe adds that he is careful in such ...
DNA Similarities
Dean Hamer, Director of the Gene Structure and Regulation Unit at the National Cancer Institute, explains that "...all of us humans have pretty much the same DNA. In fact, my DNA and your DNA and somebody else's DNA is 99.9% the same." In fact, Dr. ...