Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content


Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
Search PHGKB:

Jun 17, 2021

Last Posted: Jun-17-2021 12:10:08

The delta variant is a rising threat in the U.S. We have to redouble vaccination efforts.
AK Jha, The Washington Post, June 16, 2021

Reduced neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 by vaccine and convalescent serum
C Liu et al, Cell, June 16, 2021

We study the ability of monoclonal antibodies, convalescent and vaccine sera to neutralize B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 and complement this with structural analyses of Fab/RBD complexes and map the antigenic space of current variants. Neutralization of both viruses is reduced when compared with ancestral Wuhan related strains but there is no evidence of widespread antibody escape as seen with B.1.351. However, B.1.351 and P.1 sera showed markedly more reduction in neutralization of B.1.617.2 suggesting that individuals previously infected by these variants may be more susceptible to reinfection by B.1.617.2.

What is CDC doing to track SARS-COV-2 variants?
CDC, June 17, 2021 Brand

In the United States, CDC tracks emerging variants through genomic surveillance with the following approaches: Leading the National SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance (NS3) system; Partnering with commercial diagnostic laboratories; Collaborating with universities; Supporting state, territorial, local and tribal health departments; Leading the SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing for Public Health Emergency Response, Epidemiology, and Surveillance (SPHERES) consortium.

Controlling the pandemic during the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rollout
J Viana et al, Nat Comms, June 16, 2021

A Novel and Expanding SARS-CoV-2 Variant, B.1.1.318, dominates infections in Mauritius
H Tegally et al, MEDRXIV, June 16, 2021

Evaluation of saliva molecular point of care for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in ambulatory care
JL Goff et al, MEDRXIV, June 16, 2021

Genetic variants associated with inherited cardiovascular disorders among 13,131 asymptomatic older adults of European descent
P Lacaze et al, NPJ Genomic Medicine, June 16, 2021

We performed targeted sequencing of 25 genes used routinely in clinical genetic testing for inherited cardiovascular disorders in a population of 13,131 asymptomatic older individuals (mean age 75 years) enrolled in the ASPREE trial. In total, 119 participants had pathogenic/deleterious variants in one of 25 genes analyzed (carrier rate of 1 in 110 or 0.9%)

Men With Breast Cancer Need More Treatment Options and Access to Genetic Counseling
FDA, June 2021

If a close relative – their mother, father, brother, sister, child – has breast cancer, men are also at slightly higher risk to develop the disease. Men who have a BRCA mutation, a mutation or change in a gene that predisposes them to breast cancer, are at a greater risk. Although their chance of developing breast cancer is still low (only about 5% to 6%), men with a mutation in BRCA2 have a 100 times greater risk of developing breast cancer than men in the general population.

Use of Genomics in Newborn Screening Programs: The Promise and Challenges
CDC September 21 webinar Brand

While some have called for newborn screening using whole exome or whole genome sequencing, substantial barriers exist, including cost, privacy, equity in access, and the need for informed consent for sequencing of identifiable individuals. However, these technologies could play a role in testing those who screen positive using initial biochemical screens. Join us as we discuss both current and potential future use of genomics in newborn screening.

Summer Camp, A Place Where A Kid Can Just Be A Kid… Even If He Or She Has Sickle Cell Disease
CDC, June 2021 Brand

Summer camp can positively affect any child’s mental and physical health, but perhaps even more so if the child lives with a chronic medical condition such as sickle cell disease (SCD). For these children, the summer camp experience can provide support and education and reduce the social isolation so often experienced by those with a challenging health condition.

Digital health: balancing innovation and cybersecurity
Lancet Respiratory Medicine editorial, June 16, 2021

Digital health is an area of medicine that has seen huge acceleration and investment globally over the past decade—even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic, when reliance on digital and telehealth has been essential. With this growth in digital health, however, comes concern surrounding the use of digital patient data and the associated risks of cybersecurity breaches.


Hot Topics of the Day are picked by experts to capture the latest information and publications on public health genomics and precision health for various diseases and health topics. Sources include published scientific literature, reviews, blogs and popular press articles.

Sign up MyPHGKB to receive the daily hot topic email alert.

Search Archive:
Archived Hot Topics of the Day By Date
Disclaimer: Articles listed in Hot Topics of the Day are selected by the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics to provide current awareness of the scientific literature and news. Inclusion in the update does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the Clips, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.
TOP