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Aging published this trending paper on March 2, 2020, entitled, “ESHRD: deconvolution of brain homogenate RNA expression data to identify cell-type-specific alterations in Alzheimer's disease” by researchers from Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix; Center for Statistical Genetics, Department of Neurology, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York; The University of Sydney School of Medicine, Sydney; University of Miami; Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City. The researchers conducted brain region cell-specific pathway analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The team mapped and measured five different cell types in seven different brain regions. The cell types included: microglia, neuron, endothelial, astrocyte, and oligodendrocyte. Endothelial and oligodendrocyte are two cell types that are not easily examined in the brain and only very little gene expression data previously existed for Alzheimer's disease. “We conducted RNA expression profiling from both brain homogenates and oligodendrocytes obtained by LCM from the same donor brains and then calculated differential expression.” The researchers used a dataset of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) patients (n = 4) and controls (n = 5) to validate their ESHRD method. Homogenate, LCM, and scRNA-Seq results were compared using the ESHRD method. They also compared their findings to other research studies. To date, this study has generated an Altmetric Attention Score of 10. The Altmetric Attention Score provides an at-a-glance indication of the volume and type of online attention the research has received. Top Aging publications rated by Altmetric score - https://www.aging-us.com/news_room/altmetric Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.102840 DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.102840 Full text - https://www.aging-us.com/article/102840/text Correspondence to: Matthew J. Huentelman email: mhuentelman@tgen.org Keywords: RNA sequencing, laser capture microdissection, brain homogenates, endothelial cells, oligodendrocytes, Alzheimer's disease About Aging Launched in 2009, Aging publishes papers of general interest and biological significance in all fields of aging research and age-related diseases, including cancer—and now, with a special focus on COVID-19 vulnerability as an age-dependent syndrome. Topics in Aging go beyond traditional gerontology, including, but not limited to, cellular and molecular biology, human age-related diseases, pathology in model organisms, signal transduction pathways (e.g., p53, sirtuins, and PI-3K/AKT/mTOR, among others), and approaches to modulating these signaling pathways. Please visit our website at http://www.Aging-US.com or connect with us on: Twitter - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/ SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/aging-us YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/agingus LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging Aging is published by Impact Journals, LLC please visit http://www.ImpactJournals.com or connect with @ImpactJrnls Media Contact 18009220957 MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
Gary takes on the real issues that the mainstream media is afraid to tackle. Tune in to find out the latest about health news, healing, politics, and the economy. Becoming an Essentialist Prevent memory loss with a powerful nutrient in cucumbers Salk Institute for Biological Studies, February 16, 2021 The results of a recent study are offering new hope that avoiding memory loss related to aging as well as Alzheimer’s disease could be as simple as eating more cucumbers. Many older adults resign themselves to memory loss as part of the aging process. However, a study out of the the Salk Institute for Biological Studies has shown that this doesn’t have to be the case. The health benefits of cucumbers are many, and one of them seems to be better memory and even the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers working with mice that normally developed the symptoms of Alzheimer’s (including memory loss) discovered that a daily dose of a flavonol called fisetin prevented these and other related impairments. This improvement occurred despite the continued formation of amyloid plaques, the brain proteins commonly blamed for Alzheimer’s. A natural food cure for memory loss The compound fisetin is found in numerous vegetables and fruits but is especially concentrated in strawberries and cucumbers. This flavonol is quite effective in stopping memory loss in mice and holds hope for humans as well. In the past, the main approach to treating Alzheimer’s symptoms was to target amyloid plaques in the brain. The findings of this study call into question the assumption that these proteins are largely responsible for the effects of Alzheimer’s. Even in animals with no signs of Alzheimer’s and otherwise normal functioning, fisetin has been shown to improve memory. However, its ability to prevent memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease could have profound implications for humans. Cucumbers protect the brain from inflammation Fisetin works by switching on a cellular pathway associated with the process of retrieving memories in the brain. Over a decade ago, other researchers discovered the compound fisetin assists in protecting the neurons of the brain from agingand its associated effects. It was found that this potent compound has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on brain cells. The list of health benefits of cucumbers, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables containing fisetin now include brain and memory improvements. By extension, fisetin has properties that can be highly beneficial for those at risk for Alzheimer’s. Other health benefits of cucumbers In addition to improving memory and potentially protecting against Alzheimer’s, the cucumber fruit has a range of additional nutritional and health benefits. They are low in calories (a cup of cucumbers contains just 16 calories) and assist in hydration (they are comprised of 95 percent water). They also provide flavonoids, triterpenes and lignans which offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cancer-preventing benefits. The peel and seeds in cucumbers contain beta-carotene for eye health and are the most nutrient-dense portions of the fruit. Cucumber seeds contain calcium and the skin and seeds are also excellent sources of fiber. Other vitamins include potassium, vitamin C, magnesium and manganese. Testosterone levels increased significantly after DHEA administration among older women Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, February 14, 2021 According to news originating from Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China, research stated, “Despite the fact that numerous clinical studies have evaluated the positive effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone concentrations and on the body mass index (BMI), more evidence is needed to certify that DHEA is a BMI-reducing agent in the elderly. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the various incompatible results and investigate the impact of DHEA supplementation on serum testosterone levels and lean body mass in elderly women.” Our news journalists obtained a quote from the research from the Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, “Four scientific databases (EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched from inception until 20 August 2020 for trials comparing DHEA with placebo. Results were presented as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) based on the random effects model (DerSimonian-Laird approach). Nine arms with 793 subjects reported testosterone as an outcome measure. The overall results demonstrated that testosterone levels increased significantly after DHEA administration in elderly women (WMD: 17.52 ng/dL, 95 % CI: 6.61, 28.43, P = 0.002). In addition, DHEA administration significantly decreased the BMI (WMD:-0.39 kg/m(2), I-2 = 0.0 %).” According to the news editors, the research concluded: “The results of the current meta-analysis support the use of DHEA supplementation for increasing testosterone concentrations in elderly women.” This research has been peer-reviewed. How healthy lifestyle behaviours can improve cholesterol profiles Harvard School of Public Health, February 15, 2021 Combining healthy lifestyle interventions reduces heart disease through beneficial effects on different lipoproteins and associated cholesterols, according to a study published February 9 in eLife. Having a healthy lifestyle has long been associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease. The new study provides more detailed information on how healthy lifestyles improve cholesterol, and suggests that combining cholesterol-lowering medications and lifestyle interventions may yield the greatest benefits to heart health. Cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins help reduce heart risks by lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the so-called "bad" cholesterol. Healthy lifestyle interventions, including exercising regularly, having a healthy diet, lowering alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight, have also been shown to lower LDL as well as increase "healthy" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. "Until now, no studies have compared the lipid-lowering effects of cholesterol-lowering medications and healthy lifestyle interventions side by side," says lead author Jiahui Si, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, US. To address this gap, Si and colleagues used a technique called targeted nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure 61 different lipid markers in blood samples from 4,681 participants in the China Kadoorie Biobank, including cases of stroke, coronary heart disease and healthy individuals. They studied lipid markers in the blood of participants who had multiple healthy lifestyle habits and compared them to those of participants with less healthy habits. They found 50 lipid markers associated with a healthy lifestyle. When the team looked at a subset of 927 individuals who had coronary heart disease in the next 10 years and 1,513 healthy individuals, they found 35 lipid markers that showed statistically significant mediation effects in the pathway from healthy lifestyles to the reduction of heart disease. Together, the combined beneficial effects of the lipid changes associated with healthy lifestyle practices were linked to a 14% reduced risk of heart disease. Specifically, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and HDL levels in the blood were linked to the heart-protecting benefits of healthy lifestyles. "Using a genetic scoring technique, we could compare the effect of cholesterol-lowering drugs with that of lifestyle side by side in the study participants," says co-senior author Liming Liang, Associate Professor of Statistical Genetics in the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "Our analysis confirmed that cholesterol-lowering drugs would have the expected effect in lowering LDL cholesterol, but this is much weaker compared to the effect of healthy behaviours on VLDL cholesterol which also increases the risk of heart disease." Overall, they found that taking cholesterol-lowering medications and engaging in multiple healthy lifestyles would likely help individuals to achieve the greatest heart-protecting benefits because of the complementary effects of the drugs and healthy behaviours. "Lifestyle interventions and lipid-lowering medications may affect different components of the lipid profile, suggesting they are not redundant strategies but could be combined for improved benefits," concludes co-senior author Jun Lv, Professor at the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at the School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China. Role of Diet in Colorectal Cancer IncidenceUmbrella Review of Meta-analyses of Prospective Observational Studies University of Utah, February 16 Question How credible is the evidence behind the association of dietary factors with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in published meta-analyses of prospective observational studies? Findings This umbrella review of 45 meta-analyses describing 109 associations found convincing evidence for an association between lower CRC risk and higher intakes of dietary fiber, dietary calcium, and yogurt and lower intakes of alcohol and red meat. Meaning This study suggests that dietary factors may have a role in the development and prevention of CRC, but more research is needed on specific foods for which the evidence remains suggestive. Abstract Importance Several meta-analyses have summarized evidence for the association between dietary factors and the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, to date, there has been little synthesis of the strength, precision, and quality of this evidence in aggregate. Objective To grade the evidence from published meta-analyses of prospective observational studies that assessed the association of dietary patterns, specific foods, food groups, beverages (including alcohol), macronutrients, and micronutrients with the incidence of CRC. Data Sources MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from database inception to September 2019. Evidence Review Only meta-analyses of prospective observational studies with a cohort study design were eligible. Evidence of association was graded according to established criteria as follows: convincing, highly suggestive, suggestive, weak, or not significant. Results From 9954 publications, 222 full-text articles (2.2%) were evaluated for eligibility, and 45 meta-analyses (20.3%) that described 109 associations between dietary factors and CRC incidence were selected. Overall, 35 of the 109 associations (32.1%) were nominally statistically significant using random-effects meta-analysis models; 17 associations (15.6%) demonstrated large heterogeneity between studies (I2 > 50%), whereas small-study effects were found for 11 associations (10.1%). Excess significance bias was not detected for any association between diet and CRC. The primary analysis identified 5 (4.6%) convincing, 2 (1.8%) highly suggestive, 10 (9.2%) suggestive, and 18 (16.5%) weak associations between diet and CRC, while there was no evidence for 74 (67.9%) associations. There was convincing evidence of an association of intake of red meat (high vs low) and alcohol (≥4 drinks/d vs 0 or occasional drinks) with the incidence of CRC and an inverse association of higher vs lower intakes of dietary fiber, calcium, and yogurt with CRC risk. The evidence for convincing associations remained robust following sensitivity analyses. Conclusions and Relevance This umbrella review found convincing evidence of an association between lower CRC risk and higher intakes of dietary fiber, dietary calcium, and yogurt and lower intakes of alcohol and red meat. More research is needed on specific foods for which evidence remains suggestive, including other dairy products, whole grains, processed meat, and specific dietary patterns. Pizza, burgers and the like: A single high-fat meal can damage metabolism Deutsches Diabetes-Zentrum (Germany), February 16, 2021 The global proliferation of overweight and obese people and people with type 2 diabetes is often associated with the consumption of saturated fats. Scientists at the German Diabetes Center (Deutsches Diabetes-Zentrum, DDZ) and the Helmholtz Center in Munich (HMGU) have found that even the one-off consumption of a greater amount of palm oil reduces the body's sensitivity to insulin and causes increased fat deposits as well as changes in the energy metabolism of the liver. The results of the study provide information on the earliest changes in the metabolism of the liver that in the long term lead to fatty liver disease in overweight persons as well as in those with type 2 diabetes. In the current issue of the "Journal of Clinical Investigation", DZD researchers working at the German Diabetes Center, in conjunction with the Helmholtz Center in Munich and colleagues from Portugal, published a scientific investigation conducted on healthy, slim men, who were given at random a flavored palm oil drink or a glass of clear water in a control experiment. The palm oil drink contained a similar amount of saturated fat as two cheeseburgers with bacon and a large portion of French fries or two salami pizzas. The scientists showed that this single high-fat meal sufficed to reduce the insulin action, e.g. cause insulin resistance and increase the fat content of the liver. In addition, changes in the energy balance of the liver were proven. The observed metabolic changes were similar to changes observed in persons with type 2diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is the most common liver disease in the industrial nations and associated with obesity, the so-called "metabolic syndrome," and is associated with an increased risk in developing type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, NAFLD in advanced stages can result in severe liver damage. "The surprise was that a single dosage of palm oil has such a rapid and direct impact on the liver of a healthy person and that the amount of fat administered already triggered insulin resistance", explained Prof. Dr. Michael Roden, scientist, Managing Director and Chairman at the DDZ and the German Center for Diabetes Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, DZD). "A special feature of our study is that we monitored the liver metabolism of people with a predominantly non-invasive technology, e.g. by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This allows us to track the storage of sugar and fat as well as the energy metabolism of the mitochondria (power plants of the cell)." Thanks to the new methods of investigation, the scientists were able to verify that the intake of palm oil affects the metabolic activity of muscles, liver and fatty tissue. The induced insulin resistance leads to an increased new formation of sugar in the liver with a concomitant decreased sugar absorption in the skeletal muscles - a mechanism that makes the glucose level rise in persons afflicted with type 2 diabetes and its pre-stages. In addition, the insulin resistance of the fatty tissue causes an increased release of fats into the blood stream, which in turn continues to foster the insulin resistance. The increased availability of fat leads to an increased workload for the mitochondria, which can in the long term overtax these cellular power plants and contribute to the emergence of a liver disease. The team of Prof. Roden suspects that healthy people, depending on genetic predisposition, can easily manage this direct impact of fatty food on the metabolism. The long-term consequences for regular eaters of such high-fat meals can be far more problematic, however.
Dr. Deyana Lewis' academic career began at the University of Illinois where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Planning and Administration. After leaving the University of Illinois, she worked at Washington University’s McDonnell Genome Institute where her analytical and computation skills played an integral part in mapping the Human Genome Project. She then continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh where she received a Masters in Public Health Genetics as well as a PhD in Human Genetics. Dr. Lewis is the first African American woman to graduate with a Ph.D from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health in Human Genetics with a specialization in Statistical Genetics. Currently, Dr. Deyana Lewis is serving as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Computational and Statistical Genomics Research Institute. She has a passion for investigating the genetic mechanisms underlying diseases that disproportionately affect African Americans in comparison to other races/ethnicities . Dr. Lewis also has a keen interest in nutrition and health where she holds certifications in holistic nutrition and personal fitness trainer. In 2019, she earned her Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders (OCB) pro card in women’s bikini division. www.casandraaustin.com/talgcourse --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/growthruit/support
WELCOME TO NO HARM DONE! In this episode, Jones and Balding revisit the thorny and vexed area of quality measurement – but this time we have the good sense to call in the experts – well, one expert, anyway. Cousin David joins us – that’s David Balding, Professor of Statistical Genetics at the University of Melbourne, and Director of Melbourne Integrative Genomics. We think he’ll keep up! QUALITY QUANDARY: Are we as good – or as bad – as we think we are??? We discuss Don Berwick’s recent rant about measurement and get an outsider’s perspective on whether we’ve got it completely wrong or not....
Dr. Karl Heilbron is a Scientist I in Statistical Genetics at 23andMe. He focuses on identifying genetic variants that are associated with diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Once variants are identified, he conducts more targeted analyses to better understand the genetic basis of disease. When he’s not working, Karl enjoys staying active by playing soccer and other sports. In addition, he has been having fun staying in touch with old friends by playing Dungeons and Dragons together online. Karl received his Bachelor's degree in Evolutionary Science from Western University where he was awarded the Western Gold medal for highest course average. He next attended The University of Oxford where he earned his Ph.D. degree in evolutionary genomics. Karl was awarded a Julie Payette Research Scholarship from The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada for his graduate work. Afterwards, Karl conducted postdoctoral research in computational biology at 23andMe before accepting his current position there. In our interview Karl will tell us more about his life and science.
Interview with Professor Peter Donnelly The Nuffield Department of Medicine recognises the challenge of balancing work-life commitments and encourages staff to make use of the range of University services and facilities to support them with this. Dr Jenny Taylor interviews Professor Peter Donnelly about how the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics encourages its employees to have a better work-life balance. They discuss the initiatives taken by the Centre including: inclusive scheduling of events, mentoring schemes and financial support for women returning from maternity leave. Professor Donnelly draws on his own experience, in the Statistical Genetics field, about the challenges faced by women at different stages of their careers. He believes that it is important to talk honestly about the challenges faced by people juggling careers and family, and to highlight examples where it works well.
Interview with Professor Peter Donnelly The Nuffield Department of Medicine recognises the challenge of balancing work-life commitments and encourages staff to make use of the range of University services and facilities to support them with this. Dr Jenny Taylor interviews Professor Peter Donnelly about how the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics encourages its employees to have a better work-life balance. They discuss the initiatives taken by the Centre including: inclusive scheduling of events, mentoring schemes and financial support for women returning from maternity leave. Professor Donnelly draws on his own experience, in the Statistical Genetics field, about the challenges faced by women at different stages of their careers. He believes that it is important to talk honestly about the challenges faced by people juggling careers and family, and to highlight examples where it works well.
Professor Peter Donnelly tells us how genetics helps us to understand common diseases and develop new drugs. Understanding which variations in our DNA affect susceptibility to diseases can provide new insights into the disease process and lead to new treatments. Professor Peter Donnelly leads large collaborative human genetic studies, and his group develops and applies statistical methods to extract maximal information from the large datasets generated by genomic studies.
Professor Peter Donnelly tells us how genetics helps us to understand common diseases and develop new drugs. Understanding which variations in our DNA affect susceptibility to diseases can provide new insights into the disease process and lead to new treatments. Professor Peter Donnelly leads large collaborative human genetic studies, and his group develops and applies statistical methods to extract maximal information from the large datasets generated by genomic studies.
Professor Peter Donnelly tells us how genetics helps us to understand common diseases and develop new drugs. Understanding which variations in our DNA affect susceptibility to diseases can provide new insights into the disease process and lead to new treatments. Professor Peter Donnelly leads large collaborative human genetic studies, and his group develops and applies statistical methods to extract maximal information from the large datasets generated by genomic studies.
Professor Peter Donnelly tells us how genetics helps us to understand common diseases and develop new drugs. Understanding which variations in our DNA affect susceptibility to diseases can provide new insights into the disease process and lead to new treatments. Professor Peter Donnelly leads large collaborative human genetic studies, and his group develops and applies statistical methods to extract maximal information from the large datasets generated by genomic studies.
Professor Mark McCarthy tells us how genomics helps us understand diabetes. Professor Mark McCarthy (Robert Turner Professor of Diabetes) leads a multidisciplinary research team including clinicians, nurses and lab-based research staff. One of their major focuses lies in translating gene identification and genetic information into advances in functional understanding and clinical management.
Professor Mark McCarthy tells us how genomics helps us understand diabetes. Professor Mark McCarthy (Robert Turner Professor of Diabetes) leads a multidisciplinary research team including clinicians, nurses and lab-based research staff. One of their major focuses lies in translating gene identification and genetic information into advances in functional understanding and clinical management.
Professor Mark McCarthy tells us how genomics helps us understand diabetes. Diabetes is a major challenge for global healthcare, with social, health and economic costs projected to exceed trillions of dollars over the next 50 years. Professor Mark McCarthy, the Robert Turner Professor of Diabetes, leads a multidisciplinary research team including clinicians, nurses and lab-based research staff. Professor McCarthy's research focusses on translating gene identification and genetic information into advances in the functional understanding, and clinical management of this disease.
Professor Gil McVean tells us how statistical genetics helps us understand and treat disease. Prof Gil McVean is the Head of Bioinformatics and Statistical Genetics at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics. His research covers several areas in the analysis of genetic variation, combining the development of methods for analysing high throughput sequencing data, theoretical work and empirical analysis.
Professor Gil McVean tells us how statistical genetics helps us understand and treat disease. Genomic technology and statistical analysis of the genome is a powerful tool in understanding disease. Prof Gil McVean is the Head of Bioinformatics and Statistical Genetics at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics. Professor McVean's research covers several areas in the analysis of genetic variation. Combining the development of methods for analysing high throughput sequencing data, theoretical work, and empirical analysis, this research may lead to genetic diagnosis and targeted treatments for disease.
Professor Gil McVean tells us how statistical genetics helps us understand and treat disease. Prof Gil McVean is the Head of Bioinformatics and Statistical Genetics at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics. His research covers several areas in the analysis of genetic variation, combining the development of methods for analysing high throughput sequencing data, theoretical work and empirical analysis.
Professor Gil McVean tells us how statistical genetics helps us understand and treat disease. Genomic technology and statistical analysis of the genome is a powerful tool in understanding disease. Prof Gil McVean is the Head of Bioinformatics and Statistical Genetics at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics. Professor McVean's research covers several areas in the analysis of genetic variation. Combining the development of methods for analysing high throughput sequencing data, theoretical work, and empirical analysis, this research may lead to genetic diagnosis and targeted treatments for disease.
Guest: David A Greenberg Host: Bruce Bloom, DDS, JD Dr. David Greenberg, Dir., Division of Statistical Genetics, Professor, Dept. of Biostatistics Mailman School of Public Health and NY state Psychiatric Institute Columbia-Presbyterian MC. NY discusses the competing priorities in medical research.
Guest: David A Greenberg Host: Bruce Bloom, DDS, JD Dr. David Greenberg, Dir., Division of Statistical Genetics, Professor, Dept. of Biostatistics Mailman School of Public Health and NY State Psychiatric Inst. Columbia-Presbyterian MC,NY is discussing how the use of genetic analysis is improving our understanding epilepsy.
Guest: David A Greenberg Host: Bruce Bloom, DDS, JD Dr. David Greenberg, Director, Division of Statistical Genetics, Professor, Dept. of Biostatistics Mailman School of public Health and NY State Psychiatric Institute Columbia- Presbyterian MC, NY is discussing how computer simulations can help find genes that influence diseases.
Guest: David A Greenberg Host: Bruce Bloom, DDS, JD Dr. David Greenberg, Dir. , Division of Statistical Genetics,Professor, Dept. of Mailman School of Public Health and New York State Psychiatric Institute Columbia- Presbyterian Medical Center in NY, will be discussing the power and problems of finding genes that influence disease.