David Cox

Title: Genetic Determinism and Real Life: The Application and Misapplication of Human DNA Sequence Variation

Broad public interest in the predictive power of genetic information, combined with access to large amounts of genetic information via the internet, has created a revolution in consumer genetics. However, consumer desire to use genetic information to improve the quality of life is often hampered by lack of sufficient scientific evidence relating genetic differences to clinical outcomes, as well as by a lack of specific options that can be utilized to avoid adverse outcomes. This talk will focus on the opportunities and challenges of using genetic information to improve life in a setting of strong preconceived opinions and limited knowledge.