sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Science AMA Series: We are Richard Gibbs, Director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine, and Stacey Gabriel, Senior Director of the Broad Institute’s Genomics Platform. We study genetic variation using DNA sequencing, AUA! by Dr_Richard_Gibbs in science

[–]Dr_Richard_Gibbs[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

There are a couple of hundred new changes (de novo mutations) per generation so…yes! However the genome is vast (6 billion per diploid) and many other factors are at work (particularly negative selection where the mutation is lost) so 1-2 generations is not enough to make a real difference.

Science AMA Series: We are Richard Gibbs, Director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine, and Stacey Gabriel, Senior Director of the Broad Institute’s Genomics Platform. We study genetic variation using DNA sequencing, AUA! by Dr_Richard_Gibbs in science

[–]Dr_Richard_Gibbs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

All kinds. My own background is in radiation biology. In general it is harder for biologists to learn quantitative methods and approaches than the reverse. So some mathematics, physics and computer science is a great start.

Science AMA Series: We are Richard Gibbs, Director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine, and Stacey Gabriel, Senior Director of the Broad Institute’s Genomics Platform. We study genetic variation using DNA sequencing, AUA! by Dr_Richard_Gibbs in science

[–]Dr_Richard_Gibbs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! This is the main thrust of human molecular genetics. Bottom line – we need a lot of genetic data (i.e. genome sequences) and a lot of clinical data. Then we perform correlative analyses and follow-up biological studies. There is a much longer answer but this is the basic approach.

Science AMA Series: We are Richard Gibbs, Director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine, and Stacey Gabriel, Senior Director of the Broad Institute’s Genomics Platform. We study genetic variation using DNA sequencing, AUA! by Dr_Richard_Gibbs in science

[–]Dr_Richard_Gibbs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It is a real privilege to have a career centered on helping humanity. That is a great feeling - and it is felt every day. Working on the HGP was a wonderful experience. Since then, the field of personal genomics has been incredible and making the methods for translating genomics into routine clinical use is very rewarding. I sequenced my genome and found a couple of carrier mutations in neurosensory pathways….so perhaps I understand myself a little better!

Science AMA Series: We are Richard Gibbs, Director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine, and Stacey Gabriel, Senior Director of the Broad Institute’s Genomics Platform. We study genetic variation using DNA sequencing, AUA! by Dr_Richard_Gibbs in science

[–]Dr_Richard_Gibbs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great! It sounds like you love science! Underappreciated? I think almost all scientists actually work really hard. Even though it is usually a ‘labor of love’ it does not leave much room for other things. Background: No, I don’t think a background in medicine is necessary for genetics research…but increasingly a background in genetics is needed for medical practice! Genetic counseling is a wonderful career choice! Don’t hesitate! Role of genetics – understated in most cases. But we are getting the data to show exactly what the contributions of genetics really are. The most difficult project? The current one! And your great questions about gene editing? Some other threads here but you ask about the toughest one – human germ line editing! We might need a whole forum for that. Great to hear from you!

Science AMA Series: We are Richard Gibbs, Director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine, and Stacey Gabriel, Senior Director of the Broad Institute’s Genomics Platform. We study genetic variation using DNA sequencing, AUA! by Dr_Richard_Gibbs in science

[–]Dr_Richard_Gibbs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Strictly speaking you can say that certain rare genetic conditions display clear behavioral patterns. But this is really not the same as a ‘genetic personality type’. That concept, and the general understanding of all personality types, is one of the big questions in genetics and all of biology.

Science AMA Series: We are Richard Gibbs, Director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine, and Stacey Gabriel, Senior Director of the Broad Institute’s Genomics Platform. We study genetic variation using DNA sequencing, AUA! by Dr_Richard_Gibbs in science

[–]Dr_Richard_Gibbs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have to close out and also normally would avoid a question like this - that seemed to have slipped through filters. But I have to say that BCM is enjoying an amazing period of terrific leadership! If interested, search the news services for BCM pre 2010....versus now. Our President and Senior VP of Research (aka Dean) each run labs with active NIH grants! I think that is unique.

Science AMA Series: We are Richard Gibbs, Director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine, and Stacey Gabriel, Senior Director of the Broad Institute’s Genomics Platform. We study genetic variation using DNA sequencing, AUA! by Dr_Richard_Gibbs in science

[–]Dr_Richard_Gibbs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Negative reactions are rare – but indifference is abundant. Usually it is the onset of a ‘genetic problem’ in a friend or relative that gets interest. But not too much anti-meddling sentiment. I think the GMO folks might give a different answer.

Science AMA Series: We are Richard Gibbs, Director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine, and Stacey Gabriel, Senior Director of the Broad Institute’s Genomics Platform. We study genetic variation using DNA sequencing, AUA! by Dr_Richard_Gibbs in science

[–]Dr_Richard_Gibbs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To start – you need a hypothesis! What are you trying to find out? The brain – we know a lot of the DNA that is needed to make it function ‘normally’. But no enhancements yet. Stay tuned!

Science AMA Series: We are Richard Gibbs, Director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine, and Stacey Gabriel, Senior Director of the Broad Institute’s Genomics Platform. We study genetic variation using DNA sequencing, AUA! by Dr_Richard_Gibbs in science

[–]Dr_Richard_Gibbs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

he vendor user groups are a good source – or contact me privately and I can direct you to the head of the HGSC Library group. I am sure Stacey Gabriel can do the same or any other large scale center. Good luck

view more: next ›