This is the blog for GW students taking Human Evolutionary Genetics. This site is for posting interesting tidbits on: the patterns and processes of human genetic variation;human origins and migration; molecular adaptations to environment, lifestyle and disease; ancient and forensic DNA analyses; and genealogical reconstructions.

GWHEG figure

GWHEG figure

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

OLYMPICS COULD REQUIRE ATHLETES' GENETIC CODE TO TEST FOR DOPING


Checking all Olympic athletes for possible gene doping (changing the body’s biological machinery to make it stronger, run faster, or recover more quickly) has been regarded as one of the ways that can be used to increase transparency and decrease cheating. The World Anti-Doping Agency has considered requiring all Olympic athletes to submit copies of their genetic code so that they can be examined for gene doping. This appeared to be a challenge, given the high cost associated with sequencing the whole genome. On Monday February 5, the proposal was discussed at WADA's headquarters in Montreal, looking at the possibility of implementing full genome sequencing for all athletes, as the cost of sequencing the entire genome drops to only a few hundred dollars. It is insured that very strong ethical guidelines will be considered while implementing this plan.  


Link: https://www.wired.com/story/olympics-could-require-athletes-genetic-code-to-test-for-doping/


Sylvain

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