Archive for the ‘Genetic Testing’ Category

As per a report Market-research, the Genealogy Products and Services economy is likely to see a CAGR increase of XX% within the forecast period (2019-2029) and reach at a value of US$ at the ending of 2029. The macro economic and micro elements which are predicted to influence the trajectory of this market are examined from the market analysis that was presented.

Light onto the material throws Providers, vendors, manufacturers, and market participants at the value string of their industry that is Genealogy Products and Services . Whats more, its particular influence on the market and the political and economic scenarios of regions are discussed within the analysis.

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Competitive Outlook

Light onto the throws Business prospects of players operating from the industry that is Genealogy Products and Services . The item pricing plans, marketing stations that were preferred and product portfolio of most players, and promote presence of every and every provider is contained in the title. The players comprise Business 4, Business two, Business 3, and Business.

Regional Assessment

The marketplace research that is introduced sheds light onto the Marketplace Scenario in numerous markets. Additionally, the effects of the governmental and regulatory policies to this market in every regions prospects is examined from the report.

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Demand for Genetic Testing to Surge as Preventive Healthcare and Pharmacogenomics Gain Traction

Preventive healthcare is gradually gaining center stage with consumers becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of the practice. Genetic testing plays a vital role in preventive healthcare as it provides a potential technique for diagnosis of rare diseases. It is showing promising prospects for precisely predicting the risk of developing a particular disease by studying the complex genetic markup of the population.

Numerous researchers claiming the efficacy of genetic testing are promoting its adoption. The procedure can potentially enable doctors to suggest measures to prevent the development of a certain health condition. Investments by governments are further fueling the growth of the genealogy products & services market. For instance, the National Health Service in England recently announced its plan to expand genetic testing capabilities to improve the quality of health services in the country.

Development of pharmacogenomics is another factor imperative to genealogy products & services market growth. Pharmacogenomics is the study of genetics to predict the impact of medication on the human body. Genetic testing is already being leveraged for prescribing personalized medications in the treatment of panic disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic disorder.

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Genealogy Service Providers Widening the Scope of Application

Genealogy products & services providers are foraying into an assortment of different verticals to extend their consumer base. Use of genealogy and genetic testing for offering personalized services in a multitude of markets is gradually gaining traction. Companies such as EpigenCare and SkinGenie are leveraging genetic testing to provide skin care products that particularly complement the genetic makeup of a persons skin. On the other hand, Pheramor, a company based in Houston, is using genetic testing for finding people their compatible partners. Another example of the widening scope of genealogy products & services is Vinome, a company which provides a thorough report of the different wines a person may have an affinity for after studying their genetic makeup.

Aggressive marketing techniques, coupled with growing consumer inquisitiveness about such implications of genealogy, is aiding these applications in gaining popularity which, in turn, is expected to bolster genealogy products & services market growth.

Technological Innovations Complementing Market Growth

Genealogy products & services market is estimated to benefit from headways in technology. Genealogy products & services companies are harnessing data analytics, machine learning, big data, and artificial intelligence for effectively storing and analyzing a large amount of data. Genealogy products and services companies are increasingly using online platforms for marketing their services and increaing penetration into the market.

Enhanced DNA sequencing technology is further helping companies in analyzing genetic sequences at a faster rate and affordable costs while providing them accurate results. For instance, scientists in Estonia were successfully able to develop a genetic testing technology which analyzes genes at single-molecule level, paving way for enhancing the efficacy of precision medicines at lower costs. Other factors such as the development of sophisticated infrastructure for efficient sharing of huge DNA datasets is estimated to bolster genealogy products & services market growth.

Data Confidentiality Continues to Pose Challenges

The current status-quo in the genealogy products andservices market involves digital storage of data exposing it to the dangers of cybercrime and hacking. Additionally, genetic testing also influences life insurance premiums with companies considering results from the process to determine premiums. Insurance companies in Australia include genetic tests results in the risk classification for underwriting and are allowed to deny insurances in case the results predict the development of life-threatening diseases in the future. Further, the procedure can potentially cause discrimination during employment with the employers denying applications on the possibility of an applicant developing a disability in the future. Although the law prohibits companies from doing so, illegal leaking of information can influence the process.

While registering for genealogy processes, consumers compulsorily need to provide valuable information such as credit card numbers, name, and email addresses. This makes the companies a favorite target of cybercriminals. In addition to this, the increasing instances of data breaches are estimated to discourage consumers from using the services. Presence of lax or no regulations for classifying genetic testing as effective is adding to consumers confusion and poses a vital challenge to the genealogy products & services market growth.

Definition

Genealogy is the study of heritages and lineages, and comprises lineage tracing, DNA testing, cemetery records, family tree creation, and other related services.

About the Report

The report on genealogy products and services market provides an all-inclusive assessment of all the factors influencing the genealogy products & services market. Additionally, the report on genealogy products & services market provides a qualitative and quantitative assessment of each of the factors identified. The report also includes an opportunity assessment of the genealogy products & services market. An assessment of the competitive landscape prevalent in the genealogy products & services market has also been included in the report.

Market Structure

The report on genealogy products andservices market segments the genealogy products & services market on the basis of category and region. Based on the category, the genealogy products & services market can be segmented into family records, family tree, forum, cemetery, newspapers, blogs, links, and DNA testing.

Additional Questions Answered

In addition to the aforementioned insights about the genealogy products & services market, the report answers the following vital questions about the genealogy products andservices market:

Research Methodology

The report on genealogy products & services market is a consequence of robust and exhaustive research methodology. A two-step research process was employed to obtain insights into the genealogy products andservices market. Interviewing experts from the genealogy products & services market formed the basis of primary research while secondary research was conducted by thoroughly studying genealogy products & services trade journals, paid sources, and other industry-related publications. Results from both the steps were triangulated to produce an accurate forecast of the genealogy products andservices market.

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Genealogy Products and Services Market Estimated to be Driven by Innovation and Industrialization 2018 to 2024 - The Daily Chronicle

Lufthansa is bringing COVID-19 testing to the airport. Currently being offered by the airline at a handful of German airports, Lufthansa is utilizing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to certify departing and arriving passengers are negative for the coronavirus.

Bjoern Becker, senior director product management ground and digital, Lufthansa, said Tuesday during a virtual press conference, titled Safe Travels with Lufthansa Group in Times of COVID-19, from the outset of the pandemic, the airline knew testing would be key to not only returning air travel back to normal, but getting the virus at large under control.

We said we want to focus on testing and build up test facilities for our guests that make it easy for them to access, Becker said. We integrated it into the experience and it is a fully digitalized service.

When arriving to Germany on a Lufthansa flight, passengers will receive a flyer with links to a dedicated website allowing them to schedule a time and location for the test through the Lufthansa app. Currently, those arriving to Germany must undergo a 14-day quarantine, but can be released early with a negative test result. Passengers who test negative for COVID-19 will also receive a digital certificate from Lufthansa, allowing them to travel freely to countries that require negative tests to enter.

For example, if youre going to China, our gate crew knows how to check the certificate, Becker said. Our aim was our passenger dont have to hassle with that. They dont need to worry too much about that. We make it as easy as possible.

For departing passengers, the process works similarly but they can get a test prior to their flight at their departing airport. PCR tests can take as long as 24 hours to get results, although Becker said that on average results are had between two and four hours. For those willing to wait, they can arrive early at the airport, receive the test then wait in the lounge for the results before their flight. Otherwise, Becker said, it is advisable to go a day early to receive the test.

The PCR tests are free, but Becker said he sees a future where premium passengers can pay to get expedited test results.

The airport testing centers are also open to people not planning to fly and at Lufthansas testing center in Frankfurt, the airline has the capacity to run over 20,000 tests a day, Becker added.

Lufthansa also has testing centers at the Munich Airport. Tests are conducted by CENTOGENE, a rare disease and genetic testing company, who also hosts testing sites off the airports that Lufthansa passengers can utilize through the two entities collaboration.

Becker said testing before flights also can give passengers ease of mind as they fly, knowing that everyone on board the plane has been cleared of the virus.

Its the most protected environment you can be in, he said.

Lufthansa is also sharing the data they collect with the local governments, helping with both contract tracing passengers who later fall ill, and being able to show where upticks in the virus are forming, what countries are most at risk and where ill travelers are arriving from.

Becker said that Lufthansa wants to expand their testing capabilities to more countries, such as the United States. However, the challenge in doing so is twofold.

Lufthansas main concern is having the capacity to perform the tests themselves. If 200 people need to leave for a flight, Lufthansa wants to be able to test all 200 of those people through their own means and not put a strain on a governments outside testing.

We dont want to cannibalize the local or regional testing of a country, Becker said.

The other issue is the time that PCR tests can take. It is not always realistic for people who need to fly immediately to wait hours for test results.

A solution to this problem that Lufthansa officials see is the rise of antigen tests, which can give results in minutes. However, antigen tests are only now hitting the market and no country currently recognizes them as a valid test as to whether an induvial has COVID-19.

Becker said he is hopeful though that antigen testing proves to be reliable and adopted by countries and allow those who are eager to get back into the skies the ability to.

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Boarding with a Clean Bill of Health - AviationPros.com

Sept. 22, 2020 18:33 UTC

Next Generation Anti-Androgen as a Potential Treatment for COVID-19

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- While studying the genetics of the androgen receptor, a team of scientists discovered a possible breakthrough treatment for COVID-19.

The team led by Andy Goren, MD from Applied Biology, Flavio A. Cadegiani, MD, MSc, PhD from Corpometria Institute in Brazil, along with other collaborators, have published their discovery in several medical journals. The manuscript, What Does Androgenetic Alopecia have to do with COVID-19? An Insight into a Potential New Therapy (doi: 10.1111/dth.13365), elucidates the possible role of androgens in controlling the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in human lung cells.

According to Dr. Goren, Our earlier discovery potentially links SARS-CoV-2 infectivity to androgens, the same hormones implicated in male pattern baldness and prostate cancer; thus, anti-androgens originally developed for prostate cancer may prove a breakthrough therapy for COVID-19. One of the most promising anti-androgens is proxalutamide, a next generation anti-androgen.

The study on the effects of proxalutamide on COVID-19 has received national IRB approval and will be conducted in Brasilia, Brazil, in non-hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease. Recruitment of volunteers should start this week.

According to Dr. Cadegiani, We are excited to commence this study that could potentially benefit millions of patients and change the course of COVID-19.

More information about the study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04446429) is available at clinicaltrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04446429?term=NCT04446429&draw=2&rank=1).

The approval was received on September 17th, 2020 from the IRB of the National Board of Ethics Committee (CONEP), from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, under the name The Proxa-AndroCoV Trial, number (CAAE) 36700320.8.0000.0023.

ABOUT APPLIED BIOLOGY

Founded in 2002, Applied Biology, Inc. (www.appliedbiology.com), headquartered in Irvine, California, is a biotechnology company specializing in hair and skin science. Applied Biology develops breakthrough drugs and medical devices for the treatment of androgen mediated dermatological conditions. Applied Biology's R&D pipeline includes a topically applied prophylactic treatment for chemotherapy induced alopecia; a novel diagnostic device that can aid dermatologists in identifying non-responders to topical minoxidil; an adjuvant therapy for non-responders to topical minoxidil; and a novel therapy for female pattern hair loss.

ABOUT CORPOMETIRA INSTITUTE

Corpometria institute was founded in 2013, and is focused on treating, researching and optimizing healthcare of the major unsolved endocrine-related conditions, including patients with obesity, sarcopenia, menopause and andropause, chronic fatigue and burnout, undertrained athletes, and rare metabolic and endocrine diseases.

Corpometria R&D pipeline includes three major clusters: amplifying genetic testing, epigenetic influences and metabolomic analyses of patients with not-fully clarified metabolic and endocrine-related illnesses; development of machine learning and AI-based algorithm for personalized metabolic responses and changes to specific eating, exercising and sleeping characteristics; and full elucidation of endocrine physiology of the sport, including specific hormonal and metabolic responses and adaptations to sports according to intensity, volume, frequency and type of physical activity, and in combination with a variety of nutritional, psychological, social, and sleeping characteristics.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200922005939/en/

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Applied Biology and Corpometria Institute Receive National IRB Approval to Study a Potential Breakthrough Therapy for COVID-19 - BioSpace

The global Genetic Testing market reached ~US$ xx Mn in 2020 and is anticipated grow at a CAGR of xx% over the forecast period 2019-2029. In this Genetic Testing market study, the following years are considered to predict the market footprint:

The business intelligence study of the Genetic Testing market covers the estimation size of the market both in terms of value (Mn/Bn USD) and volume (x units). In a bid to recognize the growth prospects in the Genetic Testing market, the market study has been geographically fragmented into important regions that are progressing faster than the overall market. Each segment of the Genetic Testing market has been individually analyzed on the basis of pricing, distribution, and demand prospect for the Global region.

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Some of the major companies dealing in genetic testing market are Abbott Laboratories, BioRad Laboratories, Abbott Molecular Inc., AutoGenomics Inc., Celera Group, PerkinElmer Inc., Quest Diagnostics Inc., ELITech Group, Roche Diagnostics Corp., Applied Biosystems Inc., Roche Molecular Diagnostics Inc., Transgenomic Inc. and others.

Key points covered in the report

Each market player encompassed in the Genetic Testing market study is assessed according to its market share, production footprint, current launches, agreements, ongoing R&D projects, and business tactics. In addition, the Genetic Testing market study scrutinizes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis.

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Genetic Testing Market Poised to Grow at a Healthy CAGR of XX% During the Forecast Period2020 - The Market Records

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As a participating site, Siteman Cancer Cancer will help examine how COVID-19 is affecting medically underserved populations.

Siteman Cancer Center and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are part of a nationwide collaboration seeking to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected minority and uninsured populations and their access to cancer prevention and treatment.

A consortium of 17 U.S. cancer centers including Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine have come together to better understand the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in delaying cancer detection, care and prevention.

The cancer centers are working together with the National Cancer Institute on the impact of the pandemic on the continuum of cancer care from prevention to survivorship. This work will further examine whether differences in demographics impact cancer prevention and control, cancer management and survivorship during the pandemic.

In addition to Siteman, participating cancer centers are: ONeal Comprehensive Cancer Center (Alabama), The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute (Michigan), The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center (Iowa), University of Colorado Cancer Center, Stephenson Cancer Center (Oklahoma), UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center (California), Oregon Health & Science University Knight Cancer Institute (Oregon), Fred Hutchinson/University of Washington Cancer Consortium, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Huntsman Cancer Institute (Utah), Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (Tennessee), Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (Florida), Markey Cancer Center (Kentucky), The University of Kansas Cancer Center and University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

As a participating site, Siteman is working on this massive collaboration as a direct response to sobering forecasts from the NCI about cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials have warned that the pandemic may have prevented some patients from undergoing much needed screenings and hindered access to procedures that could result in late-stage diagnoses and cancer death. Furthermore, delaying cancer screenings, clinical trials and testing during the pandemic could roll back significant gains made in recent years in reducing cancer deaths.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health disparities among minority and uninsured populations, including those related to cancer screening and cancer prevention behaviors, said cancer epidemiologist Bettina Drake, PhD, a professor of surgery at Washington University and a research member of Siteman Cancer Center. In addition, delays in screening lead to increases in diagnoses at later stage disease. This collaborative of cancer centers across the U.S. will evaluate the effect of this pandemic on barriers to cancer screening and cancer risk behaviors across diverse populations. More importantly, this work will lead to the development and implementation of strategies that can be adapted to meet the needs of communities most affected by the pandemic.

Collectively, the cancer centers will ask healthy volunteers and cancer survivors nationwide about their health and well-being during the pandemic. The cancer centers will focus on work and employment, housing/home life, social activities, emotional well-being, physical health, and behavior related to COVID-19 prevention, as well as behaviors such as physical activity and tobacco use that have links to cancer. By complying with current pandemic restrictions, individuals will be contacted by phone, text and social media.

Washington University School of Medicines 1,500 faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Childrens hospitals. The School of Medicine is a leader in medical research, teaching and patient care, ranking among the top 10 medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Childrens hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare.

Siteman Cancer Center, ranked among the top cancer treatment centers by U.S. News & World Report, also is one of only a few cancer centers to receive the highest rating of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) exceptional. Comprising the cancer research, prevention and treatment programs ofBarnes-Jewish HospitalandWashington University School of Medicinein St. Louis, Siteman treats adults at six locations and partners withSt. Louis Childrens Hospitalin the treatment of pediatric patients. Siteman is Missouris only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and the states only member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Through theSiteman Cancer Network, Siteman Cancer Center works with regional medical centers to improve the health and well-being of people and communities by expanding access to cancer prevention and control strategies, clinical studies and genomic and genetic testing, all aimed at reducing the burden of cancer.

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Cancer centers to address pandemic's impact on cancer prevention, treatment - Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

WADSWORTH, Ohio High-tech genetic ancestry tests retail for a couple hundred dollars.

You get to find out all this information about genetics and all of that, Tiffany Leonard said.

But the gift Leonard received after shipping off a quick swab of her saliva was priceless.

So I didn't know a lot about any genetics or medical issues that ran in our family, Leonard said. So that's really the focus of it, was to find out that stuff. I got a lot more than I bargained for.

Growing up, Leonard said she had questions about where she came from, but she was raised by a loving father and kept that skepticism tucked away for years.

I looked at the results and that was the end of it. I never looked at it again, Leonard said. My dad used to say he wasn't really sure if I was his or not because I had white hair and everybody else had brown hair.

However, she said her 23andMe results were impossible to ignore.

You'll have lots of relatives that you are like barely connected with, Leonard said. It says first cousins and second cousins. And I was like, That's weird because my dad was an only child.

Through some digging and connecting with relatives she discovered through the ancestry program, she learned the man who raised her was not her biological father.

So, of course, my whole world is reeling, Leonard said.

For more than a decade, her biological father was living just miles away.

He called me and said, Im your dad. And I was mind blown, Leonard said. And Ive worked at the hospital for 13 years and Ive passed his house for the last 13 years.

As a successful woman with three children of her own, Leonard said the last year has given her a mirror and a history she never knew existed.

I can see where my personal qualities come from, like walking into the screen door, and that part's been really fun, Leonard said. You kind of just stare at each other like, Holy mackerel. That's my dad.

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Unsuspecting Wadsworth woman finds close relatives through genetic testing - News 5 Cleveland

Image: Kevin and Karen Capel with their son Christopher

In 2006, Karen and Kevin Capels son, Christopher, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma a type of brain tumour accounting for 15-20 per cent of all childhood brain cancers. Two years later, Christopher passed away, nine days before his sixth birthday.

Kevin and Karens devastating loss is sadly a tragedy endured by countless families. With the aim of changing the outlook for children with cancer and opening doors to potential new treatments, Karen and Kevin Capel set up the charity Christophers Smileto help fund research into childhood cancers like medulloblastoma.

Since their charity was established, Christophers Smile has raised more than 1 million for our childhood cancer research, including funding for five of our research scientists here at The Institute of Cancer Research. Their efforts and generosity have been vital in helping identify and develop kinder, smarter treatments for children with cancer.

One of the toughest things for Karen and Kevin was to see their little boy struggle with the many side effects that go along with surgery and chemotherapy post-surgery mutism, sickness, hair loss, infections, ulcers, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, loss of hearing.

Side effects of treatments like chemo and radiotherapy are particularly bad for children as they are still growing and their organs are more susceptible to damage. Having witnessed their sons tough treatment journey, Karen and Kevin decided that sparing children from devastating side effects was something they should prioritise in their funding efforts.

One of the teams at the ICR that they have generously supported is that of Professor Louis Chesler. Professor Cheslers Paediatric Solid Tumour Biology and Therapeutics Teamworks to understand the underlying biology of childrens cancers. The team is striving to make the biggest difference to children with cancer by developing new personalised therapies that are not only more effective but also kinder to children.

The teams research focuses on the two most common solid childhood tumours neuroblastoma, a nerve tissue cancer and medulloblastoma, the type of brain tumour that Christopher suffered from.

Image: Professor Louis Chesler in the lab

Over the last decade, Professor Cheslers team has been striving to make personalised medicine a reality for children. In this respect, one of their greatest milestones to date is his work, with colleagues at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, to develop and implement a test that can analyse many cancer genes in childrens tumours simultaneously and rapidly.

The test has demonstrated how powerful genetic testing can be for younger patients, not just adults as it can spot specific gene alterations and help doctors pick out the best targeted drugs for children with cancer based on this genetic information.

Around 400 children at 21 leading hospitals across the UK have now started receiving the test, and NHS has incorporated it into standard practice. Commenting on the development, Karen Capel said:

Our proudest moment working with the ICR has been the introduction of a genetic sequencing panel specifically for children into NHS England test directory. The panel was developed by the ICR, funded by Christophers Smile, and the result means that children with solid tumours may now be sequenced at diagnosis and relapse across England.

The team also showed that around half of children with solid tumours meaning lumps of abnormal cells found in muscles, bones or organs, but not in the blood could benefit from targeted drugs that are already available for adults. However, their study showed that only seven per cent of kids were able to access these drugs.

Professor Cheslers work has therefore exposed the limitations and frustrating barriers that children face when it comes to receiving innovative, targeted treatments. For this reason, Kevin and Karen have been highly active in campaigning for children to have better access to cancer drugs.

The aim of Professor Cheslers team is to treat more children whose tumours have these targetable genetic defects with better drugs. The test will help them achieve their goal but, at present, they are also working on gathering the necessary data to guide the use of the most appropriate drug for each child.

It is crucial to repurpose existing targeted drugs used in adults so that children can benefit from them too but developing drugs specifically targeted at childrens cancers is also a priority for Professor Chesler and his team.

By uncovering various molecular mechanisms and interactions involved in childhood cancers and providing new ways to study the disease, the team has shed light on the drivers and mechanisms of tumour formation and progression. Thanks to this, the team is leading the way in the field of childhood cancer. Their ultimate aim is to extend the lives of children with cancer by being able to target genes that sustain the growth of childhood tumours.

Commenting on the research at the ICR made possible by Christophers Smile over the past years, Kevin Capel said:

Research is key to getting new and better treatments. When our son was diagnosed, there was no biological information available to doctors about individual childrens tumours. Our funding contributions have helped change that, as researchers at the ICR have already made discoveries that have improved our understanding of various childhood cancers.

Back in 2015, Professor Chesler discovered ways to target the unique genetic paths that medulloblastoma follows when relapse occurs and a childs disease comes back. The team showed that certain genetic changes were responsible for the cancer becoming more aggressive and identified drugs that could help to target relapse.

Since then, Professor Chesler and his team have identified new gene targets and developed animal models to better study and understand various childhood cancers, as well as to help them test new drugs before they are ready to be trialled in patients.

The hope has always been that their research will produce models and data that will form the basis of new clinical trials for children and this is already happening. For example, based on their promising findings throughout the last decade, a new drug known as fadraciclib is now ready to enter clinical trials in children with the childhood cancer neuroblastoma.

Image: Karen and Kevin Capel

While we have seen lots of progress over the last decade, survival of children with medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma especially after the disease relapses and comes back remains extremely low, and there is still a pressing need for greater understanding and new therapies.

Christophers Smile are committed to continue their work to increase the survival of children diagnosed with cancer by supporting our life-saving research. The charity also campaigns to improve access to new targeted drugs for children.

Reflecting on the achievements of the past ten years, Professor Chesler said:

I couldnt be prouder of the work we have carried out, which would have not been possible without the Capels and their charity, Christophers Smile.

I have had the pleasure of working with them for over a decade and their funding has been instrumental in bringing new developments and treatments closer to children and their families. I am extremely grateful for their unwavering dedication and Im inspired by how theyve been able to take their grief and turn it into something capable of changing childrens lives.

We have delivered really exciting discoveries and started new and fruitful developments in these past years. Im excited about how far weve come - but there is still a long way to go and we continue to work so that, hopefully one day, we can defeat childrens cancer.

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How a decade of research progress offers hope to children with neuroblastoma - The Institute of Cancer Research

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept.15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The AKC Canine Health Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs and their owners, has published a review of the current state of genetic testing in dogs. This valuable resource is intended to help dog breeders, owners, and veterinarians make sound decisions with regard to interpreting and understanding the implications of genetic test results.

Creation of this resource was initiated by 2019 AKC Board Chairman, Bill Feeney, and funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). It was completed by Dr. Liza Gershony, a 2019 CHF Clinician Scientist Fellow, and Dr. Anita Oberbauer, CHF-funded researcher and recipient of the 2019 Asa Mays, DVM, Excellence in Canine Health Research Award - both from the University of California, Davis. The whitepaper was introduced by Dr. Oberbauer at the September 2020 American Kennel Club Delegates' meeting and is available on the CHF website at akcchf.org/geneticswhitepaper2020.

"While scientific advances in the area of canine DNA testing are exciting, they have also led to a desperate need for continued education," says Eddie Dziuk, Chief Operating Officer of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and member of the AKC Delegates Canine Health Committee."Dog breeders, owners, and even veterinary professionals often struggle with questions such as test purpose, accuracy, breed specificity/appropriateness, and interpretation of results. The genetics whitepaper is a long awaited and needed resource to address today's most pressing questions and make better use of these powerful tools to breed healthier dogs."

"The AKC Canine Health Foundation and its donors hope that dog breeders and caregivers use this resource to make informed and thoughtful decisions regarding their breeding plans and disease prevention and treatment strategies for individual dogs," states Dr. Calvin Carpenter, CHF Executive Director. "Genetic testing is most impactful when properly used as one of many tools available to dog owners."

The genetics whitepaper provides a foundation in canine genetics valuable to anyone involved in the care of and decision making for individual dogs or breeding stock. Practical applications and limitations of existing genetic tests are reviewed for the lay audience. This resource is offered as a tool to help improve the health of current and future generations of dogs.

About CHFSince 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation has leveraged the power of science to address the health needs of all dogs. With more than $58 million in funding to date, the Foundation provides grants for the highest quality canine health research and shares information on the discoveries that help prevent, treat and cure canine diseases. The Foundation meets and exceeds industry standards for fiscal responsibility, as demonstrated by their highest four-star Charity Navigator rating and GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. Learn more at http://www.akcchf.org.

SOURCE AKC Canine Health Foundation

http://www.akcchf.org

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AKC Canine Health Foundation Publishes Whitepaper on the State of Genetic Testing in Dogs - PRNewswire

Dr. Emily Bromley, Guest columnist

Health Matters: Newborn Screening and Baby Safety

Did you know more babies arrive in September than in any other month? Whether due to cold winter nights or the magic of the holidays, we doctors and nurses who work in hospital birthing centers are always busy this time of year.

We love partnering and celebrating with moms, parents and families as we welcome newborns into the world. Nothing brings joy like a baby.

And we all want to help keep these new bundles of joy safe and healthy.

In September we recognize Newborn Screening Awareness and Baby Safety Month.

While still in the hospital, all babies are given a "heel stick" blood test to detect if the baby has any rare diseases or conditions so appropriate treatment can begin.

The newborn screening test will detect cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria (PKU) and more than 50 other possible treatable conditions.

After delivery, we'll also put erythromycin ointment in the newborn's eyes, and give a vitamin K shot to help with blood clotting along with giving a hepatitis B vaccine.

This routine screening and treatment helps ensure babies reach their best health potential right from the start.

There's also an opportunity for prenatal and genetic testing before and during pregnancy, for moms and parents who are interested in preparing for their future family.

Horizon screening tests will determine if a parent is a recessive gene carrier of a disease, increasing the likelihood of passing it down to an infant.

And while screening provides information to best care and plan for a baby, there's a handful of items to keep in mind to keep a baby safe.

It starts in the hospital where nurses help show new parents how to clean, feed and generally care for a newborn. Our caring nurses are committed to making new moms feel comfortable and confident before taking the newborn home.

Other safety basics include "baby proofing" your home so as the baby starts to crawl, they won't get into anything hazardous or dangerous.

Sleep safety is also very important. A proper, safe crib is essential with nothing in it for the baby to suffocate in or become tangled with.

Car seat safety is also vital. If you need help checking a car seat, you may schedule an appointment with a certified technician by contacting Life Resources of Northern Michigan at 231-796-4919. There will also be a car seat safety check from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Reed City Fire Department, 523 Morse St., Reed City.

Babies. We all know they're precious. Let's keep them safe and healthy!

I'm happy to "deliver" this baby screening and baby safety news to you.

-- Emily Bromley, MD, is an obstetrician at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital Obstetrics, Gynecology and Urology.

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Health Matters: Newborn Screening and Baby Safety - The Pioneer

Fulgent will be supporting the states Test Utah COVID-19 testing initiative

TEMPLE CITY, Calif., Sept. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fulgent Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLGT) (Fulgent Genetics or the company), a technology company providing comprehensive testing solutions through its scalable technology platform, today announced a new partnership with the State of Utah for COVID-19 testing.

Through a competitive bidding process, the Utah Department of Health selected Fulgent Genetics to utilize the companys FDA EUA-approved RT-PCR test for its Test Utah COVID-19 testing initiative. This initiative was developed to increase availability of COVID-19 testing solutions for residents across the state of Utah to help stem the spread of COVID-19. Fulgents RT-PCR test is being administered at a number of fixed sites and mobile units in select counties across the state, with the potential to expand as the program grows. Samples are collected on-site and processed at Fulgents lab in Temple City, California and results are delivered to patients within an average of 24 hours of sample receipt.

We are pleased to be selected as a partner by the Utah Department of Health for their Test Utah initiative, which is making COVID-19 testing more readily available for residents of Utah, commented Brandon Perthuis, Chief Commercial Officer of Fulgent Genetics. The State of Utah joins the growing list of municipalities, healthcare providers and organizations that have selected Fulgents RT-PCR test for their COVID-19 testing needs. Our rapid turnaround time, reliable testing solutions combined with our user-friendly platforms and applications continue to be reasons why Fulgent is selected as a testing partner in these competitive situations.

As we look to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives across the state of Utah, we are pleased to be working with Fulgent Genetics as part of our Test Utah initiative to offer our residents a convenient and reliable testing solution for COVID-19, said Utah Governor Gary Herbert. The goal of our Test Utah initiative is to dramatically increase the rate of COVID-19 testing in the state so residents can have better access to testing and help stem the spread of COVID-19, so we can get back to normal as quickly as possible. We are thankful to have Fulgent as a partner to offer reliable and timely COVID-19 testing solutions.

For more information on the State of Utahs Test Utah program, please visit http://www.testutah.com.

About Fulgent Genetics

Fulgent Genetics proprietary technology platform has created a broad, flexible test menu and the ability to continually expand and improve its proprietary genetic reference library while maintaining accessible pricing, high accuracy and competitive turnaround times. Combining next generation sequencing (NGS) with its technology platform, the company performs full-gene sequencing with deletion/duplication analysis in an array of panels that can be tailored to meet specific customer needs. In 2019, the company launched its first patient-initiated product, Picture Genetics, a new line of at-home screening tests that combines the companys advanced NGS solutions with actionable results and genetic counseling options for individuals. Since March 2020, the company has commercially launched several tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including NGS and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) - based tests. The company has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the RT-PCR-based tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 using upper respiratory specimens (nasal, nasopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal swabs) and for the at-home testing service through Picture Genetics. A cornerstone of the companys business is its ability to provide expansive options and flexibility for all clients unique testing needs through a comprehensive technology offering including cloud computing, pipeline services, record management, web portal services, clinical workflow, sequencing as a service and automated lab services.

About Picture Genetics

Through its Picture Genetics platform launched in 2019, Fulgent Genetics offers consumers direct access to its advanced genetic testing and analytics capabilities from the ease and comfort of home, at an affordable price point. The Picture Genetics platform provides a holistic approach to at-home genetic screening by including oversight from independent physicians as well as genetic counseling options to complement Fulgent Genetics comprehensive genetic testing analysis. The Picture Genetics platform currently offers multiple tests, providing medically actionable, clinical-level results with professional medical follow-up in one easy process. Visit http://www.picturegenetics.com for more information.

Story continues

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of forward-looking statements in this press release include statements about, among other things: managements beliefs, judgments and estimates regarding Fulgents testing solutions, including its technology platforms and RT-PCR testing solution; the companys identification and evaluation of opportunities and its ability to capitalize on opportunities to grow its business; and its expected lab capacity and results turnaround times.

Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical facts and relate to future events or circumstances or the companys future performance, and they are based on managements current assumptions, expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on the companys business. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, which may cause the forward-looking events and circumstances described in this press release to not occur, and actual results to differ materially and adversely from those described in or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the preventive public health measures that may continue to impact demand for its tests and the pandemics effects on the global supply chain; the market potential for, and the rate and degree of market adoption of, the companys tests, including its newly-developed tests for COVID-19 and genetic testing generally; the companys ability to capture a sizable share of the developing market for genetic and COVID-19 testing and to compete successfully in these markets, including its ability to continue to develop new tests that are attractive to its various customer markets, its ability to maintain turnaround times and otherwise keep pace with rapidly changing technology; the companys ability to maintain the low internal costs of its business model, particularly as the company makes investments across its business; the companys ability to maintain an acceptable margin on sales of its tests, particularly in light of increasing competitive pressures and other factors that may continue to reduce the companys sale prices for and margins on its tests; risks related to volatility in the companys results, which can fluctuate significantly from period to period; risks associated with the composition of the companys customer base, which can fluctuate from period to period and can be comprised of a small number of customers that account for a significant portion of the companys revenue; the companys ability to grow and diversify its customer base and increase demand from existing and new customers; the companys investments in its infrastructure, including its sales organization and operational capabilities, and the extent to which these investments impact the companys business and performance and enable it to manage any growth it may experience in future periods; the companys level of success in obtaining coverage and adequate reimbursement and collectability levels from third-party payors for its tests; the companys level of success in establishing and obtaining the intended benefits from partnerships, joint ventures or other relationships; the companys compliance with the various evolving and complex laws and regulations applicable to its business and its industry; risks associated with the companys international operations; the companys ability to protect its proprietary technology platform; and general industry, economic, political and market conditions. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, forward-looking statements should not be relied on or viewed as predictions of future events.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and the company assumes no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or to changes in expectations, except as otherwise required by law.

The companys reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on March 13, 2020 and the other reports it files from time to time, including subsequently filed quarterly and current reports, are made available on the companys website upon their filing with the SEC. These reports contain more information about the company, its business and the risks affecting its business.

Investor Relations Contact:The Blueshirt GroupNicole Borsje, 415-217-2633; nborsje@blueshirtgroup.com

Media Contact:The Blueshirt GroupJeff Fox, 415-828-8298, jeff@blueshirtgroup.com

Continued here:
Fulgent Genetics to Provide COVID-19 Testing Solutions for the State of Utah - Yahoo Finance

Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died at age 87. Ginsburg is most noted for her lifelong fight for equality for women. USA TODAY

Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Friday evening,had overcome four bouts with pancreatic, lung and colon cancer dating back two decades.

Ginsburg, 87,could not beat the most recent spread to her liver and died from complications of metastatic pancreatic cancer.

In January, she announcedshe was cancer-free, sayinga periodic scan and biopsy revealed lesions on her liver but that chemotherapy treatment that began in May was "yielding positive results." But by July,Ginsburg said she wasbattling cancer againand was undergoing chemotherapy after a lesion was found on her liver.

"It's fairly uncommon to have so many cancers successfully treated and then to be able to live through them, certainly as long as she did and to tolerate the treatment of these in her 80s, it's a testament to her," said Dr.Kiran Turaga, director of theSurgical Gastrointestinal Cancer Program at the University of Chicago Medicine.

Ginsburg had her first bout of cancer in 1999 when doctors discovered colon cancer at an early stage by accident due to an unrelated abdominal infection. A decade later, when Ginsburg was undergoing regular screenings, doctors discovered pancreatic cancer and removed parts of herpancreas, along with her spleen. In 2018, shehad two cancerous growths removed from her lungs again discovered by chance after she fell and broke several ribs. And last year, Ginsburgwas treatedfor a malignant tumor on her pancreas.

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Who might succeed Justice Ginsburg?Trump's short list begins with these five women (and one man)

Ginsburg had yet to graduate high school when her mother,Celia Bader, died from cervical cancer. Years later, her husband, Martin Ginsburg, was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent two surgeries. He died in 2010 of complications from metastatic cancer. The two had been married for 56 years.

"Like too many Americans, Justice Ginsburg had an extensive history with cancer having lost her mother and husband to the disease," Gary M. Reedy, CEO of the American Cancer Society, said in a statement Friday. "Her personal health history and active survivorship made her an inspiration for many patients and survivors and helped inform her deep commitment to public health policy."

Compared to colon cancer, pancreatic cancer is less common but more deadly. About 57,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, and about 47,000 people will die from it, according to the American Cancer Society. While pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the U.S., it accounts for about 7% of all cancer deaths.

"It has remained one of the most, if not the most difficult cancer for us to treat," said Dr. Brian Wolpin, director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center and Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "It does tend to present late, and there are not many specific symptoms for pancreatic cancer. They tend to be things like abdominal discomfort or weight loss."

The cancer also tends to be more aggressive,Wolpin said. It grows faster than other types of cancer and is less responsive to treatment.Less than 10% of patientssurvive five years or more after diagnosis, Wolpin said.

"She lived 10 years with this disease. She beat the odds, and it was a remarkable fight," saidDr. Timothy Donahue, chief of surgical oncology at UCLAs Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. "But its not uncommon for this disease to have a long latency period and then come back or recur even more than 10 years later, so we continue to surveil these patients years after their diagnosis."

Pancreatic cancer can be painful because the pancreas is located near many nerve endings, Donahue said. It often causes back pain, he said.

"Not only is it painful, its very difficult to live with because of the weight loss and the extremely poor energy levels," Donahuesaid. "Theres something particular about this tumor that causes many issues for these patients much more so than other comparable cancers."

There are two compartments of the pancreas, andtwo larger categories of pancreatic cancer, Donahue said. Steve Jobs, for example, died from complications of a rare form of pancreatic cancer that is less aggressive.

There's no colonoscopy or mammogram equivalent for pancreatic cancer, and it's often discovered incidentally, experts say.

"We don't have a good detection. You can have a tiny little cancer, and you can operate on it, but it still has a high risk of coming back,"said Dr. Mary Mulcahy, oncologist at Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

But researchers are looking into how blood-based tests may be used to screen for pancreatic cancer.

"These are still reasonably early days. Theres no standard blood test that we use yet," Wolpin said. "How we would then apply that in a large population would be hard to figure out."

Others are investigating the role of a specific cancer-causing genetic mutation, known as KRAS, which is implicated in nearly all pancreatic cancer cases, according to Donahue. There's a campaign underway to encourage all patients newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer to get their genes sequenced so researchers can learn more about the genetics of the disease, Donahue said.

"Universal genetic testing is important not only because it might influence some of the treatments they receive for their own cancer, but also whether their immediate family members need to speak with a genetic counselor about receiving a genetic test themselves," saidAnirban Maitra, a pancreatic cancer researcher at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

'RGB': How 'Notorious' Ruth Bader Ginsburg became a pop-culture icon

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's last wish: 'I will not be replaced until a new president is installed'

While pancreatic cancer typically affects people who are older, colon canceris increasingly affecting young Americans.Deaths from colon and rectal cancers have been declining for several decades due to improved screening and treatment measures, but deaths among young people have been increasing slightly in recent years, according to researchers.

Late last month, actor Chadwick Bosemandied from colon cancerat just 43.

But science is making huge strides. In the U.S., the five-year survival rate for all cancers combined has increased substantially since the early 1960s, from 39% to 70% among white people and from 27% to 64% among Black people, according to the American Cancer Society.

"Even today, people think cancer is a death diagnosis," Turaga said. "But in the last three years, there are so many new years of treating cancers. We're making so much progress."

Contributing: Richard Wolf, Ken Alltucker, Kristine Phillips

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Ginsburg v. cancer was a 'remarkable fight': RBG battled five bouts of cancer over two decades - USA TODAY

The Greenwood Genetic Centers (GGCs) annual Race the Helix 5K and 1-mile run/walk is celebrating its 10th year of raising awareness for families impacted by genetic disorders and providing funds to support the programs and research of the Greenwood Genetic Center.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this years event will be virtual.

Runners and walkers can register at http://www.runsignup.com and complete their 5K run or 1-mile walk anywhere they choose between Sept. 26 and Oct. 3.

Participants are invited to post their participation on social media and share their race times and photos with event coordinators.

Race the Helix has become something that we look forward to hosting on our campus each fall, and it is disappointing not be able to celebrate this milestone year in person with all of our friends and supporters, said Bill Tiller, Executive Director of the GGC Foundation. But on the bright side, a virtual race means that we can share GGCs message of hope with participants far beyond our usual reach for an in-person event.

Race the Helix started in 2011 when Stephen and Jodi Shenal of Greenwood reached out to the Center with the idea as a way to show their appreciation for the care their family received after the birth of their daughter, Ryleigh, who has a rare chromosome deletion.

When Ryleigh was first diagnosed, her geneticist, Dr. Steve Skinner told us Remember, Ryleigh is still the same beautiful baby she was before this diagnosis, said Jodi. Those word comforted me then, and over these past ten years, GGCs compassionate care has provided our family with hope and encouragement beyond measure.

Along with Ryleigh, who will celebrate her 10th birthday in November, Race the Helix has grown each year both in the number of participants, as well as in funds raised for the GGC Foundation.

Last year the Greenwood event brought in over $30,000 to support GGC initiatives that benefit families worldwide.

GGCs caring employees have truly become an extension of our family, said Stephen. Were thrilled that this little idea that Jodi and I had 10 years ago has taken off in such a big way. We cant wait to see the reach of the virtual event across the country and even around the world.

All proceeds benefit the GGC Foundation which supports GGCs research and educational programs and helps defray the cost of genetic testing for uninsured or underinsured patients.

Registration for Race the Helix can be found at http://www.GGC.org or http://www.RunSignUp.com. There is a $25 fee for the 5K race. The 1-mile run/walk is free thanks to event sponsors.

Submitted by Lori Bassett

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Race the Helix 5K celebrates 10th anniversary with virtual event - Index-Journal

The studies add to the mystery of blood groups.

We have at least 42 different blood group systems, including A, B, AB and O. Their prevalence differs around the world in ways that dont seem random. Some raise and lower a person's risk of various diseases.

And despite the A, B, AB and O groups being discovered almost 120 years ago, scientists still do not fully understand their purpose.

The answer to that question wins a Nobel prize, said Professor David Irving, director of research at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.

The newest study linking COVID-19 risk to blood-type is from 23andMe, one of the pioneers in commercialised genetic testing. Members send 23andMe a spit sample and get back a DNA report.

The company with permission keeps that DNA on its database for research. That gives it the unique ability to quickly run huge genetic studies.

"Its re-energised the debate about what the role of the blood group system is."Credit:Red Cross Lifeblood / Supplied

A survey by 23andMe of its 1.05 million members asked if they had tested positive to COVID-19. It compared those results with their genome, looking for patterns.

The company found a protective association between having type O blood and the chance of testing positive.

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"Any difference is not huge," said Dr Alison Gould, the Red Cross' scientific communications specialist. "Were not talking immune."

The study was uploaded to research site medRxiv last week. It has not yet been peer reviewed or published in an academic journal, meaning its findings need to be treated with caution.

There are a number of theories as to be why someone's blood type has a bearing on the chances of them catching coronavirus.

Humans get their blood groups from a set of marker molecules on the surface of red blood cells. Each blood group has its own marker.

But these markers dont just show up in the blood. They are also, for reasons scientists dont understand, on cells all throughout the body including in the nose and throat.

SARS-CoV-2 uses its spike protein to attach to a cell, like a key sliding into a lock. It is possible different blood marker molecules might get in the way of that attachment.

Red blood cells with a white blood cell.

"You've got the lock and key. But youve also got a range of other things sitting around that lock. And those may help or hinder the key getting into the lock," said Dr McFadyen.

Professor Irving called this hypothesis unlikely. The more likely culprit, he said, was "molecular mimics".

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Similar marker molecules used for blood types show up, thanks to chance mutations, on the surface of a diverse range of viruses.

People naturally develop antibodies to the blood groups they do not possess.

Perhaps SARS-CoV-2 has marker molecules that look a bit like those on type A red blood cells.

That would mean people with type O blood would have antibodies that could attack the virus, while people with type A would not.

Our weekly newsletter will deliver expert analysis of the race to the White House from our US correspondent Matthew Knott. Sign up for The Sydney Morning Herald's newsletter here, The Age's here, Brisbane Times' here and WAtoday's here.

Liam is The Age and Sydney Morning Herald's science reporter

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The story of O: Blood type may lower your chances of catching COVID - Sydney Morning Herald

Theoretically, if everyone in a group tests negative for SARS-CoV-2, they could all safely meet up indoors with no masks or physical distancing. Yet with ongoing shortages of federal and state-provided testing in some areas, plus significant lag times to get results, its been hard for Americans to successfully carry out these plans.

Enter capitalism. The US Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization to several at-home Covid-19 tests developed by companies like LabCorp, Quest, and Everlywell. These tests offer nearly everyone the ability to collect a nasal swab sample from the convenience of their couch, and theyve become a popular option for those who want to try to regain a semblance of normalcy. But its important to remember that negative test result cant eliminate transmission risk entirely. Together with other risk-mitigation strategies, they simply make some lower risk hangouts possible.

As healthcare efficiencies go, at-home tests are hard to beat. Customers take a quick survey to gauge whether they may have Covid-19, even if theyre asymptomatic. If approved, they receive priority-shipped collection containers for nasal swabs, cold packs, and expedited return shipping labels. Collecting a nasal sample involves a cotton swab at the base of the nostril, and voila! Ship it back and get results in just a few days.

LabCorp is one of the two major Covid-19 testing companies used by doctors offices and other testing sites; Pixel is its consumer-facing brand. Tests by Pixel use the same polymerase chain reaction to look for SARS-CoV-2 genetic material as the test someone would receive in a hospital; essentially, the packaging is flashier and more consumer-friendly.

LabCorp created Pixel in November 2018, and allowed users to order at-home tests for things like vitamin deficiencies and basic assessments of kidney and liver functions. In early April, Pixel launched a Covid-19 test that was intended at first for only symptomatic healthcare professionals and other first responders. By May, the company had expanded its criteria: Anyone who believed they had been exposedmeaning they were in a large crowd where maintaining distancing wasnt possible, or they had been around someone who was sickcould get a test.

Other companies have since jumped in on the action, including Quest, another major testing company, Everlywell, which specializes in consumer-initiated genetic testing, and Lets Get Checked. Their tests cost between $100 and $130, and some, like LabCorps, can be covered by federal and private insurance. Some of that cost goes into testing and shipping, and a small portion goes to paying for an independent physician to review the consumers eligibility. Each test has a results turnaround time of a few days, making them seem perfect to head off any risks at planned gatherings. But are they enough?

Unfortunately, yeseven if you all get tested ahead of time.

[Covid-19 tests are] only positive during a very narrow window, says Michael Hochman, a physician at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. SARS-CoV-2 takes a median of five days to make its presence known in the body; sometimes, it can take up to two weeks. If a person were to take a Covid-19 test too soon after being exposed, theyd get a false negative.

A review from researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that over the four days of infection before a person typically starts showing symptoms (on day five), the probability of a false negative was 100% on day one and 67% on day four. Three days after the onset of symptoms, there was still a 20% chance theyd be incorrectly told they didnt have the virus.

If someone showing no symptoms gets a Covid-19 test and its negative, thats not particularly reassuring, says Hochman. We should all the time act under the assumption that we are an asymptomatic carrier and that everyone around us is, too.

That doesnt mean you should stay home alone. Rather, its all about finding ways to mitigate your riskand the first step there is realizing that a truly zero-risk situation doesnt exist.

First, be smart about the kinds of activities you engage in. Spending time outdoors is ideal; hanging out indoors with masks on for short periods of time is also lower risk, and probably safe to do. Ditto sharing a car with the windows down. As always, you should avoid seeing someone who is sick indoors, especially without a mask.

Finally, consider who is in your group, and who you all may be seeing afterward. If you or those youre planning to travel with are at risk for developing a severe case of Covid-19, consider rethinking your plans. It would also be wise to abide by the 14-day quarantine once youre back from wherever you go. And above all, its still important to make sure everyone in the group is comfortable taking on those risks, and understands them.

Read more:
Should I take an at-home Covid-19 test to hang out with friends? - Quartz

Latest updates on Prenatal and New-born Genetic Testing market, a comprehensive study enumerating the latest price trends and pivotal drivers rendering a positive impact on the industry landscape. Further, the report is inclusive of the competitive terrain of this vertical in addition to the market share analysis and the contribution of the prominent contenders toward the overall industry.

Technological advancement and several benefits associated with infant genetic testing will be major driver of the prenatal and new-born genetic testing market. Introduction of prenatal testing has led to substantial amount of increase in adoption rate of new testing technologies such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for detection of sub chromosomal abnormalities, single-gene disorders and aneuploidy in North America region. Inclination towards minimally invasive infant genetic testing along with demand for early detection of birth defects will one of the major reason for market growth.

Rising number of consanguineous relations in the developing countries of Asia and Middle East will foster growth opportunities for prenatal and newborn genetic testing market. The consanguineous relations are responsible for births of infants with defects and chromosomal abnormalities. Consequent, the increase in cases of live births diagnosed with birth defects will directly impact the growth of prenatal and new-born genetic testing market.

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Prenatal and New-born Genetic Testing Market will exceed USD 7 billion by 2024; as per a new research report.

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However, lack of infrastructure and skilled labor in the low and middle income countries will impede the parental and newborn genetic testing market growth. Moreover, ethical issues associated with prenatal and newborn testing coupled with incidences of false test results will further hamper industry growth.

Screening technology holds majority of market share in the year 2017 owing to increasing number of screening procedures of pregnant women while delivery. The rise in awareness among the families regarding genetic birth defects and early detection of genetic disorder will augment the segment growth in the near future.

Increasing prevalence of birth defects among the European population is one of the major reason for rising infant mortality. The necessary government initiatives in order to conduct prenatal and new-born genetic tests to diagnose the birth defects will increase the number of infant screening programs giving rise to market growth opportunities.

Downs Syndrome recorded largest market share in the prenatal and newborn genetic testing market due to increasing in number of births diagnosed with Downs syndrome. The rise in incidences of women getting married at later stage of life is leading to increasing births with Downs Syndrome. These factors will further support the segment growth over the forecast timeframe.

Hospitals hold the majority of market share owing to increasing number of births in hospitals. Hospitals are aided by the government and provide the facilities require for the newborn screening. The increase in number of screening programs in hospitals provides significant scope for the market growth.

Major Highlights from Table of contents are listed below for quick lookup into Prenatal and New-born Genetic Testing Market report

Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope

Chapter 2. Executive Summary

Chapter 3. Prenatal and New-born Genetic Testing Industry Insights

Chapter 4. Company Profiles

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Prenatal and New-born Genetic Testing Market Detailed Analysis of Current Industry Figures with Forecasts Growth By 2024 - The Research Process

Data Bridge Market Research has recently published the Global research Report Titled Cardiovascular Genetic Testing Market. The study provides an overview of current statistics and future predictions of the Global Cardiovascular Genetic Testing Market. The study highlights a detailed assessment of the Market and displays market sizing trends by revenue & volume (if applicable), current growth factors, expert opinions, facts, and industry validated market development data.

Cardiovascular genetic testing market is expected to gain market growth in the forecast period of 2020 to 2027. Data Bridge Market Research analyses the market to account to USD 4.01 billion by 2027 growing at a CAGR of 13.40% in the above-mentioned forecast period. An extensive array of employment of genetic experimentation in inherent disorders and oncology will prove advantageous for genetic testing business germination in the coming years.

FREE Sample Copy of Research Report Click Here: https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-cardiovascular-genetic-testing-market&utm_source=&kA

The Global Cardiovascular Genetic Testing Market research report assembles data collected from different regulatory organizations to assess the growth of the segments. In addition, the study also appraises the global Cardiovascular Genetic Testing market on the basis of topography. It reviews the macro- and microeconomic features influencing the growth of the Cardiovascular Genetic Testing Market in each region. Various methodological tools are used to analyze the growth of the worldwide Cardiovascular Genetic Testing market.

Top Key Vendors Covered in the report:

Siemens Healthcare GmbH, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, QIAGEN, Pathway Genomics, Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc, Natera, Inc., Myriad Genetics, Inc., ICON plc, Laboratory Corporation of America Luminex Corporation, IntegraGen., HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. , Genomic Health, Inc., Admera Health, deCODE genetics among other domestic and global players.

Regions included:

North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico)

Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, and Italy)

Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia)

South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)

The Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa)

How Does This Market Insights Help?

Key Pointers Covered in the Cardiovascular Genetic Testing Market Industry Trends and Forecast to 2026

Why choose us:

A complete value chain of the global Cardiovascular Genetic Testing market is presented in the research report. It is associated with the review of the downstream and upstream components of the Cardiovascular Genetic Testing Market. The market is bifurcated on the basis of the categories of products and customer application segments. The market analysis demonstrates the expansion of each segment of the global Cardiovascular Genetic Testing market. The research report assists the user in taking a decisive step that will be a milestone in developing and expanding their businesses in the global Cardiovascular Genetic Testing market.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part 01:Executive Summary

Part 02:Scope of the Report

Part 03:Research Methodology

Part 04:Market Landscape

Part 05:Pipeline Analysis

Pipeline Analysis

Part 06:Market Sizing

Market Definition

Market Sizing

Market Size And Forecast

Part 07:Five Forces Analysis

Bargaining Power Of Buyers

Bargaining Power Of Suppliers

Threat Of New Entrants

Threat Of Substitutes

Threat Of Rivalry

Market Condition

Part 08:Market Segmentation

Segmentation

Comparison

Market Opportunity

Part 09:Customer Landscape

Part 10:Regional Landscape

Part 11:Decision Framework

Part 12:Drivers and Challenges

Market Drivers

Market Challenges

Part 13:Market Trends

Part 14:Vendor Landscape

Part 15:Vendor Analysis

Vendors Covered

Vendor Classification

Market Positioning Of Vendors

Part 16:Appendix

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Cardiovascular Genetic Testing Market to Witness High Growth in Near Future and Competitive Analysis - The Daily Chronicle

Latest updates on Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing market, a comprehensive study enumerating the latest price trends and pivotal drivers rendering a positive impact on the industry landscape. Further, the report is inclusive of the competitive terrain of this vertical in addition to the market share analysis and the contribution of the prominent contenders toward the overall industry.

Consumers send the company a DNA sample like urine or saliva and collect their results directly from a written report or from a secure website. DTC genetic testing further provides access to people for their genetic information without the need for involving any health insurance company or a healthcare provider in the process.

Not all DTC tests are genetic tests, some are helpful in measuring other things like levels of toxins in urine, or levels of proteins in the human body and types of bacteria flora usually referred as microbiome.

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Direct-to-consumer genetic testing market is anticipated to record a substantial growth rate over the coming years due to ongoing technological advancements. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing differs from typical genetic testing. These genetic tests are marketed directly to consumers through the medium of print advertisements, internet, or television, and can be bought in stores or online.

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DTC genetic testing, home DNA testing, direct-access genetic testing, and at-home genetic testing are other names for direct-to-consumer genetic testing.

The direct-to-consumer genetic testing market is bifurcated in terms of test type, technology, distribution channel, and regional landscape.

Numerous companies are now offering DTC genetic tests for several purposes. The most common tests use genetic deviations to make estimates about health, give information regarding common traits, and also offer clues about an individual's ancestry. There is a rise in a number of companies providing DTC testing together with the range of health conditions and traits covered by these tests.

With respect to test type, the market is classified into predictive testing, nutrigenomic testing, ancestry, and relationship testing, carrier testing, and others. Among these, carrier testing is set to observe around 14% CAGR between 2020 to 2028, owing to the growing cases of rare genetic diseases that is affecting millions of people globally.

Based on technology, the market is segmented into whole genome sequencing (WGS), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips, and targeted analysis. Among these, SNP chips held around 50% market share, owing to the technology's efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Major Highlights from Table of contents are listed below for quick lookup into Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market report

Chapter 1. Competitive Landscape

Chapter 2. Company Profiles

Chapter 3. Methodology & Scope

Chapter 4. Executive Summary

Chapter 5. Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing industryInsights

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Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market Detailed Analysis of Current Industry Figures with Forecasts Growth By 2028 - The Research Process

LEE COUNTY

Going through cancer is never easy and the pandemic is making a difficult time even harder.

For Paige Haddy, her journey with cancer hasnt happened alone. She and her mother have been side-by-side since day one.

She was just getting a simple, annual, routine mammogram actually, and they discovered the mass at that time, she said.

Genetic testing revealed both women had the BRCA02 mutation, putting them at a greater risk of developing breast cancer more than once.

Their best bet double mastectomies. Haddy delayed her surgery so she and her mom could lean on each other during their recoveries.

I had flown out previously for her five breast surgeries, she said. She was here for my initial surgery, my prophylactic double mastectomy in December.

But that plan came together pre-pandemic. Not only did Haddys follow-up surgery get pushed back due to COVID-19 concerns, but when the time came, her mom couldnt come in.

Going through this last one without her was very difficult to get through, Haddy said.

You cant have a big group of loved ones coming with you to the hospitals or the clinics, and thats tough, said Megan Wessel with the American Cancer Society. What we can do is be there for them afterwards.

Wessel says the non-profit can connect cancer patients to new support systems to help get them through the pandemic and beyond.

We can match up a breast cancer patient with a woman who has been through breast cancer and that has a similar experience with them, she said. We also have a cancer survivors network thats online.

Its a new normal Haddy, the Pink Bra Ambassador for the American Cancer Society Southwest Florida, has had to adjust to, and one she fully embraces.

Theres a community there to help and I know I found it just such a key component to my healing process, she said.

Aside from the American Cancer Society, there are several breast cancer support groups in Southwest Florida. For more information on those groups, take a look at the links below:

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Mother and daughter fighting breast cancer together embrace virtual support in time of COVID-19 - Wink News

Fort Collins, Colorado The report on the Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market provides an in-depth assessment of the Preimplantation Genetic Testing market including technological advancements, market drivers, challenges, current and emerging trends, opportunities, threats, risks, strategic developments, product advancements, and other key features. The report covers market size estimation, share, growth rate, global position, and regional analysis of the market. The report also covers forecast estimations for investments in the Preimplantation Genetic Testing industry from 2020 to 2027.

The report is furnished with the latest market dynamics and economic scenario in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has brought about drastic changes in the economy of the world and has affected several key segments and growth opportunities. The report provides an in-depth impact analysis of the pandemic on the market to better understand the latest changes in the market and gain a futuristic outlook on a post-COVID-19 scenario.

Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market was valued at 401.49 million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD796.89 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 9.65% from 2020 to 2027.

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The report provides an in-depth analysis of the key developments and innovations of the market, such as research and development advancements, product launches, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, government deals, and collaborations. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the regional growth of each market player.

Additionally, the report provides details about the revenue estimation, financial standings, capacity, import/export, supply and demand ratio, production and consumption trends, CAGR, market share, market growth dynamics, and market segmentation analysis.

The report covers extensive analysis of the key market players in the market, along with their business overview, expansion plans, and strategies. The key players studied in the report include:

Furthermore, the report utilizes advanced analytical tools such as SWOT analysis and Porters Five Forces Analysis to analyze key industry players and their market scope. The report also provides feasibility analysis and investment return analysis. It also provides strategic recommendations to formulate investment strategies and provides insights for new entrants.

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The report is designed with an aim to assist the reader in taking beneficial data and making fruitful decisions to accelerate their businesses. The report provides an examination of the economic scenario, along with benefits, limitations, supply, production, demands, and development rate of the market.

1.Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market, By Technology:

Next-Generation Sequencing Polymerase Chain Reaction Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization Comparative Genomic Hybridization Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism

2.Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market, By Procedure Type:

Preimplantation Genetic Screening Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

3.Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market, By Application:

Aneuploidy Structural Chromosomal Abnormalities Translocations Deletions Duplications Inversions Single Gene Disorders X-Linked Disorders HLA Typing Gender Identification

4.Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market, By Products And Services:

Reagents and Consumables Instruments Software and Services

5.Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market, By End User:

Maternity Centers & Fertility Clinics Hospitals, Diagnostic Labs, and Service Providers Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes

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Regional Analysis of the Market:

For a better understanding of the global Preimplantation Genetic Testing market dynamics, a regional analysis of the market across key geographical areas is offered in the report. The market is spread acrossNorth America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.Each region is analyzed on the basis of the market scenario in the major countries of the regions to provide a deeper understanding of the market.

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Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market to Witness Exponential Growth by 2020-2027 | Leading Players Illumina, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Agilent...

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental disorder that affects more than 264 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability, including death by suicide.1 MDD is a complicated disorder that involves the interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors.1 MDD can prevent patients from living healthy, productive lives and can complicate treatment of other comorbid conditions.1

Although MDD commonly is encountered in primary care settings, its treatment has become integrated into all fields of medicine due to its high prevalence. Cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, are the mainstays of MDD treatment.1

Prescribing an antidepressant may be simple, but that does not make it easy. Efficacy and tolerability of antidepressants vary among patients, which can make it challenging to relieve patients symptoms.2 Although no genes have been associated with depression,3 several genetic variants may help clinicians predict how patients with MDD will metabolize antidepressants.4 Performing genetic testing of patients with MDD and matching patients with an antidepressant class based on identification of genetic variants that convey sensitivity to particular antidepressants could improve response to drug therapy in patients with MDD.5

The process of selecting an antidepressant should take into account cost, tolerability, adverse effect profiles, and patient preferences.2 When evaluating treatment options for patients with MDD, the current standard of care is to initiate an antidepressant at a starting dose and reassess effectiveness within 2 to 4 weeks, with adjustments to monitoring frequency dependent on the patients suicide and self-harm risk, comorbid conditions, age, and concomitant medication use.2

Several metrics are used to determine whether a selected antidepressant is working:

Clinicians can mitigate adverse effects by decreasing the dosage or switching to a different class of antidepressant. However, several weeks are needed after each change in drug or dose alteration to truly assess response. Finding and settling on a drug that produces a response with minimal adverse effects can take months. During the trial period, patients may become frustrated with the process and stop therapy and/or may be at increased risk for suicide or self-harm.

The study of drug metabolism in patients with MDD is a growing area of interest.3-5 A management approach incorporating pharmacogenetic testing in combination with clinical judgment may be superior to the standard trial and error method for finding an effective antidepressant regimen and could improve patient outcomes.5

Genome-wide association studies are used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to a particular disease or drug metabolism.6 Several laboratory testing companies offer pharmacogenetic panels to evaluate metabolism of drugs used to treat MDD.3 The FDA also has approved direct-to-consumer genetic testing panels (eg, 23andMe), which are widely available to the public without a health care providers prescription.7 A concern with these latter tests is that the results of these tests are reported directly from the company to the patient; thus, the patient decides whether or not to present the information to his or her health care provider. Many pharmacogenetic testing panels also include genes that have shown correlations with the pathogenesis of MDD, despite the lack of clinical research replicating the role of these genes in the disorder.3

This article originally appeared on Clinical Advisor

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Pharmacogenetic Testing: Does it Improve Therapy in Patients With MDD? - Neurology Advisor

Eli Lilly said it planned to discuss with regulators the possible emergency use of baricitinib for hospitalized patients. Other news is about early research on an antibody that might neutralize COVID and how the virus controls the brain, as well.

AP:Anti-Inflammatory Drug May Shorten COVID-19 Recovery TimeA drug company says that adding an anti-inflammatory medicine to a drug already widely used for hospitalized COVID-19 patients shortens their time to recovery by an additional day. Eli Lilly announced the results Monday from a 1,000-person study sponsored by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The study tested baricitinib, a pill that Indianapolis-based Lilly already sells as Olumiant to treat rheumatoid arthritis. (Marchione, 9/14)

The Hill:Drugmaker Says Anti-Inflamatory Medicine May Shorten COVID-19 Recovery TimeThe use of Baricitinib, arheumatoidarthritis drug from Eli Lilly, led to a one-day reduction in recovery time for patients when combined with Remdesivir compared to patients who only took Remdesivir, according to a trial. The finding was statistically significant, Eli Lilly said in a statement. The company did not release the full results of the study but stated the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is expected to publish full results in peer-review studies and that additional analyses are ongoing to understand clinical outcome data, including safety and morbidity data. (9/14)

In other scientific developments

Fox News:University Of Pittsburgh Scientists Discover Antibody That 'neutralizes' Virus That Causes CoronavirusScientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have isolated the smallest biological molecule that completely and specifically neutralizes SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the novel coronavirus. The antibody component is 10 times smaller than a full-sized antibody, and has been used to create the drug Ab8, shared in the report published by the researchers in the journal Cell on Monday. The drug is seen as a potential preventative against SARS-CoV-2. (Deabler, 9/14)

Fox News:Coronavirus Can 'Hijack' Brain Cells To Replicate Itself, Yale Researchers DiscoverThe coronavirus can affect the brain and hijack brain cells to replicate itself, Yale University researchers have discovered. A new study from Yale University, on BioRXiv, which is awaiting peer review, found that the brain is another organ susceptible to an attack by the novel coronavirus. (McGorry, 9/14)

Stat:23andMe Research Finds Possible Link Between Blood Type And Covid-19A forthcoming study from genetic testing giant 23andMe shows that a persons genetic code could be connected to how likely they are to catch Covid-19 and how severely they could experience the disease if they catch it. Its an important confirmation of earlier work on the subject. People whose blood group is O seemed to test positive for Covid-19 less often than expected when compared to people with any other blood group, according to 23andMes data; people who tested positive and had a specific variant of another gene also seemed to be more likely to have serious respiratory symptoms. (Sheridan, 9/14)

Read more:
Drug Company Touts Anti-Inflammatory Drug's Role In Shortening COVID Recovery - Kaiser Health News

Around 20% of ovarian cancer cases occur as a result of an inherited genetic mutation, which, according to experts, highlights the need to identify individuals for whom targeted therapy or ovarian cancer risk-reducing interventions may be beneficial.

Knowledge of cancer genetics in this population is an important topic because more than 20% of ovarian cancer cases are associated with an inherited pathogenic variant, said Rachel Pozzar, a post-doctoral research fellow at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. From prior research, we know that individuals who are confident in their knowledge of cancer genetics are more likely to share their genetic test results with relatives. In turn, these relatives may benefit from genetic testing and certain risk-reducing interventions.

Together with her colleagues, Pozzar, who holds a post doctorate degree in nursing science, conducted a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey to better understand knowledge of cancer genetics among individuals with a primary diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The results of this analysis were presented at the 2020 ONS Bridge Virtual Meeting.

Patients were eligible for this analysis if they had a primary diagnosis of ovarian cancer and received genetic counseling and testing between January 2016 and October 2017. Using the KnowGene scale, Pozzar and colleagues assessed patients cancer genetics knowledge. Patients were also asked open-ended survey questions to help the researchers identify ways to improve the genetic testing and counseling process.

Eighty-six patients were included in this analysis. Their mean age was 65.8 years. Out of a possible score of 19, the mean knowledge score of the patients was 11.9. The data also demonstrated that a patients age, income and education were significantly associated with knowledge of genetic testing. Patients who were younger and patients who had a higher education were more likely to have an increased knowledge of cancer genetics, according to results of multivariate analyses.

Responses from the open-ended survey showed that patients found it challenging to relate to complex language in verbal and written explanations of genetic test results.

One of our main findings was that participants who scored below the sample average on our measure of cancer genetics knowledge expressed interest in face-to-face results disclosure, visual learning aids, and simplified language in written and verbal communication, said Pozzar. We also found that older age was significantly associated with lower cancer genetics knowledge, which is important because older adults may serve as a resource for family members who seek information about their family's health history.

Pozzar notes that the results of the study emphasize the importance of patient-provider communication when discussing cancer genetics.

My broader program of research is focused on promoting patient-provider communication that meets patients unique needs and preferences what is often called patient-centered communication, Pozzar concluded. Research suggests patient-centered communication has the potential to promote knowledge retention and to prompt family conversations about hereditary cancer risk.

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Patients with Ovarian Cancer Suggest Using Visual Learning Aids and Simplified Language to Better Help Them Understand Genetic Testing and Counseling...

New billing rules from UnitedHealthcare have the lab industry concerned about additional administrative burdens and the potential for an increase in denials from the nation's largest health insurer.

At the beginning of March, the payor began rolling out notices of its new test registry protocol, under which labs must register with UHC the tests they offer and include a unique test code for each test they bill the insurer in order to be reimbursed.

UHC declined an interview request but provided comments on the test registry rollout through a spokesperson. The company initially set a deadline of September 1, 2020 for labs to register their tests but recently extended that deadline to December 1, 2020 due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, said the spokesperson. Regarding the new deadline the company "will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed," UHC said.

Even with the new deadline, though, many labs, especially smaller independent labs and hospital outreach facilities, may struggle to register their tests in time, said Jane Hermansen, manager of outreach and network development at Mayo Clinic Laboratories and the immediate past president of the Clinical Laboratory Management Association.

"Hospital labs are really stressed and are quite panicky about finding the time to fit this extra administrative step in," said Hermansen, noting that the timing is particularly challenging given the pandemic situation. "We are still dealing with hunkering down, getting ready for a third wave of sick patients to come in this fall, and now we have to take an overburdened systems and add this IT data entry piece, as well."

UHC said that the company has created the test registry in order to gain better visibility into what tests it is paying for and to provide its members better information on test availability and costs.

Kyle Fetter, executive vice president and general manager of diagnostic services at Xifin, said, however, that while this might make sense for some categories of testing, the value of applying the requirement across the board including to very routine tests was less clear.

Fetter said that the genetic testing space had gone through a similar experience in the last decade. At that time, he noted, "you had many types of genetic tests that were different from each other in many ways and unidentifiable based on the codes that they were using."

In that case, Fetter said, the Molecular Diagnostic Services (MolDX) program determined that the CPT codes being used for these tests were not sufficient and that other, more descriptive identifiers were needed.

"And that was OK on some level because there were probably some tests out there getting paid for that maybe in hindsight should have had more oversight," he said.

Fetter said the UHC registry is different in that the payor is requiring registration not only of complex tests for which more descriptive codes could provide useful transparency, but of "all laboratory testing, even the most generic laboratory testing."

One possible motive for UHC, Fetter said, is that the test registry could make it easier for the payor to identify bills from out-of-network labs.

"The fact that you have to give this additional code gives them a very discrete and easy mechanism to identify an out-of-network service," he said. "People think things like that are easy for a payor like, yeah, I know when I see this lab come in on a claim with this procedure, it is out of network but it's not easy. Adding another code like this does probably make this quite a bit easier for them in their adjudication systems to identify services as out of network."

Fetter also suggested that the move was a way for UHC to narrow its network by creating a burden that may be challenging for many labs to meet.

Harley Ross, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at healthcare revenue cycle management firm Quadax, suggested that the registry could potentially help UHC steer more business to its Preferred Lab Network members, which are mostly large national labs with IT infrastructure and resources that could make it easier for them to comply with the requirements.

This would fit with other moves by the insurer that seem designed to steer patients to these preferred providers, which typically have lower prices than small independent or hospital labs.

For instance, UHC has eliminated out-of-pocket charges for many of its members when they use a PLN member for their lab testing, which may incentivize members to use PLN labs, particularly in cases where they would otherwise be subject to substantial cost sharing or co-pays.

Ross said that the implementation process and the inevitable hiccups involved from an operational perspective could prove too much for some more financially vulnerable labs.

"These things never go off cleanly," he said. "So, from an operational cost perspective, if all of a sudden my costs on, for example, UnitedHealthcare claims go up 10 percent because I'm having to do contract denial follow-up, appeal follow-up, etc. there are just a lot of unknowns about how material that will be to those labs."

He suggested that given UHC's size, this could have broader effects on the industry, including but not limited to, impacting reimbursement rates under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act if it resulted in labs seeing lower average test payments.

The company has received pushback from a number of provider groups regarding its test registry. In August, the American Hospital Association issued a letter to UHC calling on the payor to reconsider the policy, saying that it "could negatively impact the accessibility of care, as well as create unnecessary burdens on both patients and providers at the same time that such providers are expected to still be managing the COVID-19 public health emergency." It added that UHC has not "provided a rationale" for the requirements nor "justified the potential negative consequences."

The College of American Pathologists also issued a statement in August objecting to the registry requirements, particularly in light of the pandemic, saying that "now is not the time to move forward with new billing rules and potentially further disrupt revenues by denying claims for tests."

Fetter said that there is also frustration in the lab industry at what is perceived as a lack of communication coming from UHC.

"When we could call them about it, people couldn't answer questions about it," he said.

Hermansen said that UHC rolled out the plan with little notice.

"They just kind of snuck it out on their website, and it was just kind of savvy people who were poking around on that website and said, oh, look at this," she said.

UHC said that the company began to post information about the change on its website starting on March 1, 2020 and that it has since published articles in its network bulletin and sent letters to providers.

Beyond the UHC requirements, there is the concern that other payors will follow suit, Hermansen said.

If that happened it could be a substantial burden for labs, Fetter said. "If Humana and Aetna and Anthem and other payors all picked this up, it would be a pretty massive lift" for labs.

"You'll have 10 different codes for 10 different payors," he said. "So you send a bill to UnitedHealthcare and it's a patient who has AARP backing up an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan, and they aren't going to have the same codes when they cross those claims over."

Fetter suggested that concerns about this kind of complication might ultimately lead UHC to walk back the registry plan, at least partially.

"My guess is that even if this goes into place, they will end up having to roll it back at certain points because it won't be working," he said. "I think they are going to realize this is a bigger headache than it's worth."

He noted that UHC rolled out its genetic test registry at the end of 2019 and suggested that the broader test registry might have been conceived as a way to expand that concept to other test codes that it also considered lacking in transparency.

"I think they said, let's take this [genetic registry] a step further and roll it out to the rest of lab because there are other tests that are unnecessarily complex and expensive and we don't have good tracking on them," Fetter said.

This story first appeared in our sister publication 360Dx, which provides in-depth coverage of in vitro diagnostics and the clinical lab market.

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Labs struggling to comply with UnitedHealthcare test registry requirements - Modern Healthcare

The report is an all-inclusive research study of the global Point-of-Care Genetic Testing market taking into account the growth factors, recent trends, developments, opportunities, and competitive landscape. The market analysts and researchers have done extensive analysis of the global Point-of-Care Genetic Testing market with the help of research methodologies such as PESTLE and Porters Five Forces analysis. They have provided accurate and reliable market data and useful recommendations with an aim to help the players gain an insight into the overall present and future market scenario. The Point-of-Care Genetic Testing report comprises in-depth study of the potential segments including product type, application, and end user and their contribution to the overall market size.

The Point-of-Care Genetic Testing Market carries out financial changes that occur year by years in market, with information about upcoming opportunities and risk to keeps you ahead of competitors. The report also describes top company profiles that present in market with trends worldwide. This research guided you for extending business.

The Point-of-Care Genetic Testing Market research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data and statistically-supported and industry-validated market data and projections with a suitable set of assumptions and methodology. It provides analysis and information by categories such as market segments, regions, and product type and distribution channels.

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segment by Type, the product can be split intoPOCT Cancer KitsMolecular POC KitsPOCT In Antibiotic TherapiesAssay CartridgeOtherMarket segment by Application, split intoDiagnostic LabsBio-Pharmaceutical IndustryAcademic InstitutionsOther

Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaCentral & South America

A proper understanding of the Point-of-Care Genetic Testing Market dynamics and their inter-relations helps in gauging the performance of the industry. The growth and revenue patterns can be revised and new strategic decisions taken by companies to avoid obstacles and roadblocks. It could also help in changing the patterns using which the market will generate revenues. The analysis includes an assessment of the production chain, supply chain, end user preferences, associated industries, proper availability of resources, and other indexes to help boost revenues.

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Market Segmentation based On Type, Application and Region:

The global Point-of-Care Genetic Testing is analyzed for different segments to arrive at an insightful analysis. Such segmentation has been done based on type, application and Region.

Global Point-of-Care Genetic Testing market is presented to the readers as a holistic snapshot of the competitive landscape within the given forecast period. It presents a comparative detailed analysis of the all regional and player segments, offering readers a better knowledge of where areas in which they can place their existing resources and gauging the priority of a particular region in order to boost their standing in the global market.

The Global Point-of-Care Genetic Testing Market is gaining pace and businesses have started understanding the benefits of analytics in the present day highly dynamic business environment. The market has witnessed several important developments over the past few years, with mounting volumes of business data and the shift from traditional data analysis platforms to self-service business analytics being some of the most prominent ones.

For the future period, sound forecasts on market value and volume are offered for each type and application. In the same period, the report also provides a detailed analysis of market value and consumption for each region. These insights are helpful in devising strategies for the future and take necessary steps. New project investment feasibility analysis and SWOT analysis are offered along with insights on industry barriers. Research findings and conclusions are mentioned at the end.

Reasons for Buying This Report:

It Provides A Forward-Looking Perspective on Different Factors Driving or Restraining Market Growth.

It Provides A Five-Year Forecast Assessed on The Basis of How the Market Is Predicted to Grow

It Helps in Understanding the Key Product Segments and Their Future.

It Provides Pin Point Analysis of Changing Competition Dynamics and Keeps You Ahead of Competitors.

It Helps in Making Informed Business Decisions by Having Complete Insights of Market and By Making an In-Depth Analysis of Market Segments.

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Point-of-Care Genetic Testing Market Extracts Point-of-Care Genetic Testing Market, 2019-2025 by Segmentation Based on Product, Application and Region...

About the author:Dr. Liz Kwo is currently the staff VP of clinical data analytics at Anthem, and previously cofounded and served as CEO of telemedicine second opinion company InfiniteMD. She received anMDfrom Harvard Medical, an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MPH from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

COVID-19 has reshaped the way humans interact with technology in healthcare. Many countries have responded with public health measures such as social distancing, masks, and quarantine for suspected and confirmed cases.Intelligent data, technology, artificial intelligence (AI)and machine learning (ML) havestarted to lighten the burden to establish new ways for both health system supply and demand sustainability.

Among the most visible promoters of digital health arenext-generation payers and providers (NGPPs). These companies, many of them created after implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), have commonly adopted the belief that technology is the solution to improving the healthcare system. Their focus is on delivering technology-enabled solutions to improve clients, such as employers' but more importantly, patients' as the end-user's experiences. These companies are using concepts such as blockchain, telehealth, web applications and genomics.

COVID-19 has prompted more healthcare organizations to embrace the idea of intelligent data as a tool for migration to digital health. Several companies are teaming up with startups that have the means to deliver technology-enhanced solutions either by allowing these startups to connect to their systems or by creating a customer-vendor type of relationship.

Connecting a smaller startup to a healthcare companys mainframe or command center means the startup involved in the process must codevelop solutions customized to the systems processes, flows, infrastructure and objectives. By accessing the companys platforms, whether a payor or provider through an electronic health record (EHR), a customer relationship management(CRM) system or other approach, the startup provides valid solutions based on the current status.

The solutions are not limited to identifying problems and providing fixes, but must extend to presenting innovations that enable the company to improve their patient records, deal more efficiently with aggregated and dispersed data, and handle a larger amount of information collected from various sources.

For example, collecting data run through predictive analytics via biometric devices that are connected remotely enables clinicians to complete their tasks at a higher speed with increased accuracy if the insights are actionable, potentially reducing medical costs if treatment or interventions can be determined correctly that arecustomized to the patient.

However, the downside of this type of cooperation is that it requires mobilization of massive internal resources, a relationship built on mutual trust and the willingness to share the risk among stakeholders such as providers, technology-enablement service companiesand payors. Therefore, health companies look to startup companiesfor innovative solutions that can be easily integrated in their workflows with ready-to-implement solutions, such as technology enabling remote consults between patients and care providers.

AI, for instance, requires multiple levels of mutual agreement between the healthcare companies and collaborative startups for processes such as data sharing privacy and security, liability protections, validation of models, and ongoing monitoring of progress and milestones. The implementation of AI in clinics has specific requirements, such as the availability of a workforce trained to use digital tools, remote access to the latest technologies, and knowledge and willingness from both clinicians and patients to adopt these tools.

AI has produced valuable techniques that are in place and will continue to improve in triaging care via chatbots, models for data integration that enable a better and faster illness prognosis, predicting illness progression through medical records, and detecting anomalies for fraud prevention in claims or to ensure proper claims payments.

Blockchain provides a change of secure and accurate information between nodes (e.g. patients, organizations andclinicians) with the help of a databasethat doesnt require control from a third party. Blockchain enables organizations to conduct trusted transactions and to reduce their administrative costs by sharing a common ledger instead of maintaining their own, separate data.

All the organizations participating in the blockchain have access to the shared data and can instantly protect it if accessed by unauthorized users. In the healthcare sector, blockchain is still in the early stages, and faces challenges such as the network effect, meaning that all parties sharing the blockchain must be willing to work together in testing and evaluating the advantages of this technology, which is easier said than done.

Deploying blockchain for provider access can mean that patients who are not able to find a doctor in their network can have access to a wider pool of physicians, hence benefiting from faster and improved access to care.

Telehealth (also referred to as e-health, mobile-healthor telemedicine) represents a means to remotely access medical services with the help of digital technologies such as laptops, smartphones and any mobile devices.

Among the objectives of telemedicine:

Examples of what telehealth can provide include:

Telehealth was used before COVID-19 in various formsas an instrument to train doctors in treating complex diseases in rural areas via video conference, such as the partnership between Medicaid and Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) put in place at the University of Mexico,or as remote consultations with the use of symptom checkers defined by user inputs adopted in Spain by Mediktor.

COVID-19 brought a huge increase in Telehealth adoption. In the U.S., telehealth became used by 45% of consumers in COVID-19 era, compared to 11% of consumers in 2019 that called on this method to replace healthcare trips to the doctors office. Before the pandemic, the main players in the U.S. telehealth sector focused their services on urgent care areas by providing patients telehealth visits on demand. If before COVID-19 the estimated yearly revenues of U.S. telehealth companies were $3 billion, its estimated that in the next years up to $250 billion of current U.S. healthcare market could be invested in the virtualization of medical assistance through telehealth.

Telehealth, however, has its own challenges. Providers will need to adopt new ways of working;the exchange of concise and useful information must be improved;wider access and integration of technology is required;and clear data security measures must be in place. The effectiveness of telehealth compared to in-person visits will be closely measured, and reimbursement policies will have to be established and implemented properly.

For patients, the awareness and education of telehealth benefits must be understood, such as specific use cases to transmit valid information, the medical needs that telehealth can address, and understanding the insurance coverage of the service. These challenges can be surmounted, considering telehealth has the potential to bring benefits for patients, decrease costs for payers, increase efficiency for medical staffandimprove overall healthcare experience.

Web applications were developed as a response to the consumers expectations to have instant access to information. The healthcare market is currently dominated by two types of applications: ones that collect and record data regarding the health of clients (that can be shared with care providers and health insurance companies) and applications that provide access to health-related information such as health and wellness programs or provider and medical recommendations.

Mobile applications provided by some health insurance companies offer clients the opportunity to become more engaged in building their own team of healthcare providers, in order to compare prices of various services and to have autonomy in their overall health. With a few clicks, patients can locate providers inside and outside their network, choose an emergency room or urgent care center they need, or find a specialist that is available with a next-day appointment.

Many applications are populated with a huge database that delivers enormous amounts of informationin multiple languageson topics such as diseases, symptomsand medications, and are reviewed by prestigious medical professionals. Other applications are focused on prevention, helping people maintain good health by focusing them on behaviors such as motivational exercise or mindful eating, as in controlling consumption by documenting the foods they intend to eat and the impact on their health. They can calculate the caloric intake and compare foods to make better decisions.

Aside from the benefits brought to patients, web applications help providers collaborate with their patients. Applications that measure and monitor patient heart rates and blood sugar levels are equipped with triggers that send alerts when indicators reach a certain level. The alert is sent to the doctors that monitor those clients. Based on the reading and the medical history,the doctors can suggest a next step. As more people adopt these web applications, the tools will only become easier and faster to use as they improve over time.

The human genome, considered the blueprint of the human body, holds the potential biological plan for each individual. The link between a typical genome versus variants that may lead to disease can be established by analyzing a huge amount of medical records and genetic data. This is a complex, time-consumingmatching process.

The combined use of AI, machine learningand genomics brings to healthcare what has been missing in this discovery process: simplification and more accurate results in a lot shorter period of time. This can be achieved by integrating, for example, genomics with lab results, EHRs that include pathology, and imaging. T

This integration provides a more comprehensive look into a patient, which translates into better decisions taken by a supervising doctor andthe improved ability to forecast disease and to provide customized treatment and medication based on prediction patterns and the efficacy of a medication for the individual. By improving the ability to predict and treat, the costs of healthcare can be reduced by eliminating unnecessary lab tests or ineffective treatments.

The challenge in utilizing genomic data is translating this knowledge to real-world use cases. Pharmacogenomics is the use of genetic testing to inform medication-management decisions, which can improve patient outcomes and reduce health cost. For example, genomic data is used to determine treatment options for cancer patients.

This type of precision medicine creates a new consumer healthcare market for people to determine the influencing factors of their health, with extraordinary levels of treatment personalization across various chronic conditions. As patients ask their providers for advice and payers for coverage in this growing market, providers will need clear training to understand the right tests to order, how to interpret the results, and how to properly inform their patients about the results.

The costs of these tests have significantly decreased over time, but an adequate understanding of the benefits is required to achieve actionable insights from the results.

The progress made in intelligent data and AI use in the healthcare sector is surging. It is vital to ensure that all patients have access and affordable healthcare utilizing efficient tools and customized treatments that rely on intelligent data for groundbreaking innovations in healthcare.

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How intelligent data transforms health in the time of COVID-19 - Mobihealth News