Let’s talk genetics!

By Gina Loitz

A couple like-minded friends got together for coffee and debate over themes pertaining to the Human Genome project and issues surrounding genetics, health and the environment, the idea to host a conference was born. From coffee to conference, University of Calgary researcher Brian Seaman and student Rose Geransar put together “One Origin, One Race, One Earth: Genetics, Human Rights and the Next Phase of Human Evolution” that will host author Margaret Atwood and UCLA Medicine Technology and Society program director Dr. Gregory Stock Nov. 15-17.

Seaman, an Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre research associate, was inspired to collaborate for the conference after working on an assignment dealing with genetic screening and human rights law. Seaman noted he believes intense research dealing with the interplay between genes and environment warranted a better look on the topic.

“The ACLRC cares about informing the public of these new advances and, more specifically, [about issues] pertaining to equality of access to health care,” said Seaman.

Moreover, he explained, as the researchers and doctors are able to detect genetic diseases through screening procedures, the centre’s interest laid in ensuring these procedures are made available to all considered who could then make important decisions only after this information is received.

“Health is more than just the absence of disease,” said Seaman. “The time is ripe for having events like the conference to bring together people whose lives have been dedicated to genetic research.”

Geransar completed her undergraduate degree in biochemistry and is now a PHD student with aiming towards recommendations to implement a better consent process during the initial formative stages of a Canadian National Cord Blood Stem Cell bank. She explained that current research is looking at the International HapMap.

“[The HapMap project] is a partnership of scientists and funding agencies from several countries, including Canada, to develop a public resource that will help researchers find genes associated with human disease and response to pharmaceuticals,” said Geransar. “This would open many possibilities in theory, one of which would be the implementation of gene-tailored, personalized treatments.”

Stock will be speaking to some other profound consequences of these advancements.

“The possibility to retard aging and extend human longevity, learning to shape our moods in more nuanced ways with fewer side effects, and to alter human reproduction by actually looking at the genetics of an embryo and not just making decisions about avoiding disease, but looking at temperament and personality of our future children,” said Stock on his website podcast. Geransar explained there is a plethora of legal, social and ethical issues raised by such propositions and noted the conference had been tailored to mainly address questions.

“How do these technologies translate to so-called ‘developing’ countries around the world?” said Geransar, listing some of the questions that would be brought up. “Where and when do we conduct clinical trials? How do we protect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals who participate in large-scale biobanks? How do we communicate the benefits of these technologies to the public without misleading or creating unrealistic expectations? How do we engage individuals within a society in a meaningful way so that they may become more engaged as citizens in the policy process? These are the kinds of questions that we hope to address with One Origin.”

Canadian author Margaret Atwood will speak at the banquet to close the dichotomous gap between science and the fine arts of writing and literature Sat., Nov. 17. Geransan noted this was ideal as she hoped to increase amongst diverse interest groups that are involved with genetics.

“It has always been my hope that the conference–due to its interdisciplinary nature– would open up a venue for exchange of ideas and respectful dialogue,” said Geransan.

Genetics conference aims to increase dialogue