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Randy

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solitaire
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Par For The Course

Education > Pbs Specials
 

Pbs Specials

WOW! Did anybody watch two PBS shows last night (Wed)?

One was about whales. Really fascinating and wondrous and educational.

The other was about genome sequencing, pros and cons.
First, it's amazing we can map out our DNA at all. It is so very complex.
The program posed the question of risks vs. benefits of knowing ones genome. On one hand, diseases and disorders can (might) be cured by "fixing" DNA problems. That has been done. Remarkable progress has been made, with much more to come.

On the negative side, the question arises regarding knowing about hidden "bad genes" and what's to come--Huntington's Disease, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, breast cancer, etc. Does one want to know? What could health insurance companies do with this information?! Deny coverage? (of course)

Pandora's Box comes to mind. Percentages of risk in getting particular diseases is determined by decoding DNA. I went back and forth trying to decide if I would want to know my "future". I'm still not sure. How about you?

Anyway, the two shows were super. There is hope for the "vast wasteland" known as television!

posted on Mar 29, 2012 5:28 AM ()

Comments:

Yes, both fascinating programs! I am endlessly curious about human genome developments and advancements in health care because of it. For example, the genetics of cancer tumors can be analyzed now, and drug protocols targeting the cancer are more precise and effective with fewer side effects. As for genetic links to illnesses, I'd always want to know. I like to be prepared and make preparations when possible. I think I already know where the genetics weak links in my family illness tree are. Helps my doctor and I stay tuned in and alert.
comment by marta on Apr 2, 2012 4:05 PM ()
I wonder if doctors ask enough questions about family history? Genetics are so important. Of course, patients lie or are ignorant about family history. And some just don't want to face reality.
reply by solitaire on Apr 5, 2012 5:02 AM ()
I think by the time we reach that point that doctors will be able to use the knowledge to correct these problems.
comment by redimpala on Mar 30, 2012 12:16 PM ()
Let's hope mankind survives long enough to reach this point!
reply by solitaire on Mar 31, 2012 5:01 AM ()
I am over here with my head in the sand, too. I figure I am in line for strokes, the only question is when. Do I want to know? I don't know if I do or not.
comment by boots586 on Mar 29, 2012 2:54 PM ()
i have working on my bucket list for years. As I cross one thing off, I add another. I will never be finished.
reply by boots586 on Mar 30, 2012 4:17 PM ()
As they say, "ignorance is bliss". Lot of truth in that. Still, if I knew doom was around the corner, I would start working on my bucket list, NOW!
reply by solitaire on Mar 30, 2012 5:09 AM ()
Too late for me.At my age still rolling along.
comment by fredo on Mar 29, 2012 12:08 PM ()
I'm thinking along the same lines, even at my young age!
reply by solitaire on Mar 30, 2012 5:07 AM ()
Forgetting about publicizing genomes in others, I personally would like to know what I should avoid. I already have an inkling of what will ultimately lay me low. After all, having a predisposition to an illness does not definitely mean you WILL get that illness. It's just a more advanced notion of being careful, for instance, about your heart, because your dad and uncles all died of heart attacks. What's spooky about that? It's just common sense.
comment by tealstar on Mar 29, 2012 11:33 AM ()
True, but given "odds", based on genome reading, one can pretty much know the future. I think I'd rather not know. Heart attacks and Huntington's are two different things. While certain precautions can be made for the former, none can be made for the latter.
reply by solitaire on Mar 30, 2012 5:06 AM ()
I missed that one but caught one on Manatees! Loves me a manatee...
comment by hennaladykim on Mar 29, 2012 10:04 AM ()
The "sloths" of the water, or so I've observed. But, that's okay.
reply by solitaire on Mar 30, 2012 5:01 AM ()
Interesting conundrum indeed - I will stick with my known method of dealing with the world... I'll be over here with my head in the sand!
comment by kristilyn3 on Mar 29, 2012 7:03 AM ()
Not a bad place to be. I'm there a lot!
reply by solitaire on Mar 30, 2012 5:00 AM ()
I am glad that the possibilities are not yet commonplace. I would hate to see the consequences of knowing ahead of time the traits of the unborn, and insurance is just one of many consequences. It will add a whole new layer to prejudices and bias.
comment by dragonflyby on Mar 29, 2012 6:59 AM ()
It's becoming "commonplace", whether we like it or not. Republicans will soon (if not already) be getting involved in the ethics of it all.
reply by solitaire on Mar 30, 2012 4:59 AM ()

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