Direct-To-Consumer Testing in the Genomic Age

Technological developments are making it possible to read a person’s entire genetic code, or genome, more rapidly and at a lower cost than ever before. Personal genome sequencing is allowing scientists and doctors to better understand the connections between genes and human health, improve medical care, help extend people’s lives, and provide information about our shared human ancestry. This lesson is an introduction to some of these concepts and sets the stage for students to delve more deeply into many of the topics related to genetics and society.

Scenarios for Ethical and Legal Analysis of Genomic Data Sharing Practices

McWhirter and colleagues report the development and validation of 6 scenarios based on actual genomic data sharing pratices in Australia. These scenarios could be used to inform the decision-making of data access and research ethics committees by enhancing understanding of the downstream uses of genetic sequence information. Scenarios 1 - 6 are available in Table 3 of the linked publication.

Genomics, Human Behavior, and Social Outcomes

Genomics, Human Behavior, and Social Outcomes • October 12, 2021

This is the first in a series "Genomics in Society: New Developments, New Questions: Discussions with Journalists" hosted by Hastings Center, in partnership with the Center for ELSI Resources & Analysis (CERA) of four online discussions to inform journalists about the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of new research in genomics; discuss story ideas on genomics and its ELSI issues; and connect journalists and ELSI experts and resources. 

Workshop Proceedings, Military Medical Ethics: Issues Regarding Dual Loyalties, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) (2008)

This National Academies Press publication summarizes a one-day workshop, Military Medical Ethics: Issues Regarding Dual Loyalties, convened by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies on September 8, 2008. The workshop examined the ethical challenges faced by military health professionals and recommended approaches to address the need for training in medical ethics.

Consensus Study Report, Health Standards for Long Duration and Exploration Spaceflight: Ethics Principles, Responsibilities, and Decision Framework, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) (2014)

This publication reports the conclusions and recommendations of a committee of experts convened by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (IOM) to develop an ethics framework for decision making about health standards in long duration and exploration class missions at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).