Chair's Latest Comments
Socio-economic status is associated with epigenetic differences in the pSoBid cohort
01-02-2012 Hits:45 Chair's Comments Simon House
Conclusions - This study has indicated an association between epigenetic status and socio-economic status (SES). This relationship has direct implications for population health and is reflected in further associations between global DNA methylation content and emerging biomarkers of CVD. Key words - DNA methylation, epigenetics, socio-economic status. Abstract - http://ije.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2012/01/08/ije.dyr215.short Read more
Assisted reproduction treatment (ART) and epigenetic inheritance,
27-01-2012 Hits:61 Chair's Comments Simon House
Introduction . . some genes from babies conceived by means of IVF show a gene expression pattern that is different from naturally conceived children (Katari et al., 2009). . . this mechanism could put children conceived by means of assisted reproduction treatment (ART) at a greater risk of diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, later in life. Epigenetic deregulation already received increasing attention as a possible common cause of adverse ART outcomes, since the incidence of disorders that involve imprinted genes, especially... Read more
Update: Congress Unites Against FDA Approval of GE Salmon
The biotechnology industry has genetically engineered a fish that grows at twice the normal rate, so it can get to market sooner and make more money, faster.
The FDA doesn’t even do its own testing of genetically engineered animals: it relies on information provided by the company that wants approval. And because GE salmon are being considered as a new animal drug, the process isn’t focused on what happens to people who eat genetically engineered animals. So on top of the health concerns posed by raising salmon in crowded factory fish farms that rely on antibiotics and other chemicals, the FDA could be adding the unknown risks of GE salmon to the mix.
If approved, GE salmon would be the first “transgenic” animal allowed into our food supply. It’s also unlikely that it would have to be labeled, so you might not even know you’re eating it.
Also, the FDA is the same agency that’s in charge of overseeing the egg industry, and we see how well they’ve done that job. It’s up to us to demand that President Obama direct the FDA on this matter. Take action now.