Terence L. Jones, PhD
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Genetic disorders represent a tiny fraction of the total burden of ill health and are being funded disproportionally when correlated with chronic disease ailments. This research is vulnerable to abuse because it is backed mostly by venture capital.
Ifgene-David Heaf
The nature of race has sparked debates and inquiries into the study of human genes. These gene elements determine the hereditary traits of each individual in society. The so called "secret of life" embedded in our DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) evidenced by the color of your eyes, the texture of your hair, you name it our genes code for it.
In the early 1970's biologist Richard Lewontin's research concluded that variations in genes within and among different population groups did not rest on racial lines at all. Instead his research along with repeated experiments over the years affirmed that at the molecular level human beings are more alike than different. Scientific experts joined together in accepting this scientific evidence that racial categories that have long stratified our nation and were used to justify racial oppression represented social and political constructs or beliefs not scientific facts. However, the notion that race is real as a biological fact did not die.
In addition, work on the historic "Human Genome Project, "partially located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, declared in 2000 that race was not a valid scientific concept but still failed to squash the naysayer's.
All technologies, including new genetic technologies, develop in a political, economic and social context according to Patricia Berne of the "Center for Genetics and Society" in Oakland, California. She suggests that before race is resurrected and redefined by biologists, geneticists, and biotechnology firms, advocates of social justice, the American public and scientific researchers must grapple with the issues and add their voices to the debate.
During a health conference I attended, the Genetic researchers took time out to view the new "Genomics" and the ghost of race past. It was carefully elucidated that biomedical research has a challenge in seeking to understand how DNA sequence variation contributes to variation in susceptibility to common complex diseases? For example prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in African American men accounting for 40% of all cancer diagnoses in this group. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in African American men, second only to lung cancer.
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