Mark Leach, J.D., published an article called “My Daughter’s Paradoxical Genes” detailing the seemingly paradoxical case of the ethical considerations arising from his daughter Juliet’s genes. Specifically, he examines the moral paradox of medical guidelines for Juliet’s two genetic conditions of Trisomy 21 and Double X: for one, prenatal testing is considered an ethical obligation and for the other prenatal…
The UCLA Institute for Society and Genetics held its Fall Retreat this past September. During the event, ISG Staff, Faculty, and Fellows presented on the direction of the Institute, their roles at the Institute, and their ongoing research. It was an opportunity to become reacquainted with one another, updated on the goings-on at ISG, and be introduced to the new…
ISG Associate Director Jessica Lynch Alfaro was an invited speaker at the UCLA/Sloan Colloquium at the UCLA Film School this Saturday, October 22. Lynch Alfaro presented a talk on ‘Genetic Research in Societal Contexts’ to UCLA screenwriting and production students who are interested in incorporating accurate portrayals of science and scientists into their films. The Sloan Foundation provides awards for…
ISG Postdoctoral Fellow Sharlene Santana, faculty affiliate Michael Alfaro, undergrad apprentice Thomas Dial, and University of Massachusetts PhD candidate Thomas Eiting published a new paper on their research, entitled “Roosting Ecology and the Evolution of Pelage Markings in Bats” Abstract: Multiple lineages of bats have evolved striking facial and body pelage makings, including spots, stripes and countershading. Although researchers have…
ISG Postdoctoral Fellow Jennifer Smith has been named an AAUW Postdoctoral Fellow for 2011-2012. All of us at the Institute congratulate her, and know that her research will advance her field! [excerpt from press, full press here] AAUW American Fellowships are awarded to highly qualified women scholars completing doctoral dissertations, conducting postdoctoral research, or finishing research for publication. Since 1881, AAUW…
A 15-year-old AIDS problem was recently solved in just three weeks using a new online game site that allows users to contribute in decoding complex proteins. Fold.it users incredibly modeled the enzyme, Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) retroviral protease, in a manner that matched crystalline structures observed by scientists. Fold.it was conceived and designed by University of Washington researchers Seth Cooper,…