Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Human genome, twin study, genetic testing

Genome project was completed in 2003, contributions came from Japan, France, Germany, China, and others. Project goals were to identify all 20,000-25,000 genes in human DNA,
determine sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA, store this information in databases, improve tools for data analysis. Imagine how many diseases can be cured from this, never before. A normal gene may be inserted into a nonspecific location within the genome to replace a nonfunctional gene. This approach is most common.

Twins:

By studying twins and siblings and their families, we can estimate how genes and environment interact to influence character, strengths, vulnerabilities and values. Beginning in 2000, the MTFS enrolled an additional 500 pairs of twins and their parents into the MCTFR.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Does parenting really matter?

parents expect you to do certain things or behaviors that please them. They want you to make the right decisions as in not smoking, so even if kids want to smoke, they can't because they have to listen to their parents.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Google reader news (in progress)

Race, Ethnicity Likely Affects Emotional Well-Being Of Cancer Patients, Study Finds

from Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today
Black cancer patients report having poorer physical and social well-being than their white counterparts but better emotional well-being, according to a study published in the November issue of the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Reuters Health reports. Previous studies have indicated that blacks have poorer physical health than whites.



Sleeping In School

from Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today
Up to 10% of children starting school suffer from sleep disturbances and these may lead to poor performance or behavioral difficulties. In the current edition of Deutsches Arzteblatt International, the child and adolescent psychiatrist Gerd Lehmkuhl and his colleagues present the results of a study from Cologne, Germany. The authors have as yet interviewed 1388 children starting school and their parents from all parts of Cologne.





Nearly 5 Percent Of The US Population Suffers From Persistent Depression Or Anxiety

from Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today
Though effective treatments are available for individuals suffering from chronic depression and anxiety, very little is known about how often these treatments are used or how prevalent these conditions are among the nation's general population.