2008 Woodie Awards
Genomics: making a world of difference
global health at duke
By: Shubha Chandrasekharan
Issue date: 10/25/07 Section: Columns
Last update: 10/25/07 at 7:37 AM EST
Last update: 10/25/07 at 7:37 AM EST
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Studying genetic variation associated with these common diseases in different populations, and how people differ in their responses and reactions to drugs, is an area of active research at Duke. In addition, using genomic approaches, IGSP researchers have identified molecular "signatures" for several common cancers. These significant breakthroughs will help physicians predict the chance of recurrence for a tumor and how well the patient will respond to certain treatments, allowing the design of more effective and individualized therapies.
The influence of genomics on global health certainly extends well beyond our ability to better diagnose, prevent and treat human disease.
Genomic research on agricultural crops and livestock could help provide solutions to nutritional deficiencies widespread in several low- and middle-income countries. Genomic analysis of plant, animal and microbial species may also offer insights into how we might better utilize our natural resources to prevent, limit and even reverse environmental damage.
Science alone will have little impact on global health without policies to foster its use. The 2002 World Health Organization report on Genomics and Global Health, while affirming the importance of genomics, also warned of a "genomic divide"-poor countries may be unable to share the benefits of genomic research, thus further exacerbating the inequities in global health. Researchers at the IGSP's Center for Genome Ethics, Law and Policy have come together with colleagues across the Duke campus to investigate how policies effect the dissemination of and access to genomic technologies and information. They hope to inform institutions about practices and policies that will help new diagnostics, therapies and vaccines reach people who need them the most, faster.
Big challenges, to be sure. At the IGSP we strive to "Ask Big" as we harness powerful genomic tools to drive the engine of discovery and, with our partners across the Duke campus, seek out interdisciplinary and innovative solutions to, yes, the "big" problems of global health.
Shubha Chandrasekharan is a fellow in the IGSP Center for Genome Ethics, Law and Policy. Hunt Willard is the director of the IGSP. Information on all the IGSP's programs can be accessed at www.genome.duke.edu.
The influence of genomics on global health certainly extends well beyond our ability to better diagnose, prevent and treat human disease.
Genomic research on agricultural crops and livestock could help provide solutions to nutritional deficiencies widespread in several low- and middle-income countries. Genomic analysis of plant, animal and microbial species may also offer insights into how we might better utilize our natural resources to prevent, limit and even reverse environmental damage.
Science alone will have little impact on global health without policies to foster its use. The 2002 World Health Organization report on Genomics and Global Health, while affirming the importance of genomics, also warned of a "genomic divide"-poor countries may be unable to share the benefits of genomic research, thus further exacerbating the inequities in global health. Researchers at the IGSP's Center for Genome Ethics, Law and Policy have come together with colleagues across the Duke campus to investigate how policies effect the dissemination of and access to genomic technologies and information. They hope to inform institutions about practices and policies that will help new diagnostics, therapies and vaccines reach people who need them the most, faster.
Big challenges, to be sure. At the IGSP we strive to "Ask Big" as we harness powerful genomic tools to drive the engine of discovery and, with our partners across the Duke campus, seek out interdisciplinary and innovative solutions to, yes, the "big" problems of global health.
Shubha Chandrasekharan is a fellow in the IGSP Center for Genome Ethics, Law and Policy. Hunt Willard is the director of the IGSP. Information on all the IGSP's programs can be accessed at www.genome.duke.edu.
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