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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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12/25/2019

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.

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Archived Hot Topics of the Day By Date

Artificial Intelligence Is Rushing Into Patient Care - And Could Raise Risks
L Szabo, Scientific American, December 2019

AI systems are not as rigorously tested as other medical devices, and have already made serious mistakes. Many health industry experts fear AI-based products won’t be able to match the hype. Many doctors and consumer advocates fear that the tech industry, which lives by the mantra “fail fast and fix it later,” is putting patients at risk

The causes and consequences of Alzheimer's disease: A Mendelian randomization analysis
BIORXIV, December 2019

Genetic liability for Alzheimer's disease is associated with over 160 phenotypes. However, findings from Mendelian randomization analyses imply that most of these associations are likely to be caused by increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease or selection, rather than a cause of the disease.

New Tests Use Epigenetics to Guess How Fast You're Aging
MC Marill, WIRED< December 2019

Companies claim they can now easily calculate your biological age. Should you take them up on it? Commercial epigenetic testing is in its infancy, so consumers should be wary if companies make claims about a specific disease risk or offer to precisely predict lifespan—or use the results to market other products.

Pentagon Warns Military Personnel Against At-Home DNA Tests
H Murphy et al, NY Times, December 2019

The tests, from companies have become popular holiday gifts, but the military is warning service members of risks to their careers.In an internal memo, Pentagon leadership has urged military personnel not to take mail-in DNA tests, warning that they create security risks, are unreliable and could negatively affect service members’ careers.


Disclaimer: Articles listed in Hot Topics of the Day are selected by Public Health Genomics Branch 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.
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