Genetic Explanations

Genetic Explanations PDF Author: Sheldon Krimsky
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674071093
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 314

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Book Description
Can genes determine which fifty-year-old will succumb to Alzheimer’s, which citizen will turn out on voting day, and which child will be marked for a life of crime? Yes, according to the Internet, a few scientific studies, and some in the biotechnology industry who should know better. Sheldon Krimsky and Jeremy Gruber gather a team of genetic experts to argue that treating genes as the holy grail of our physical being is a patently unscientific endeavor. Genetic Explanations urges us to replace our faith in genetic determinism with scientific knowledge about how DNA actually contributes to human development. The concept of the gene has been steadily revised since Watson and Crick discovered the structure of the DNA molecule in 1953. No longer viewed by scientists as the cell’s fixed set of master molecules, genes and DNA are seen as a dynamic script that is ad-libbed at each stage of development. Rather than an autonomous predictor of disease, the DNA we inherit interacts continuously with the environment and functions differently as we age. What our parents hand down to us is just the beginning. Emphasizing relatively new understandings of genetic plasticity and epigenetic inheritance, the authors put into a broad developmental context the role genes are known to play in disease, behavior, evolution, and cognition. Rather than dismissing genetic reductionism out of hand, Krimsky and Gruber ask why it persists despite opposing scientific evidence, how it influences attitudes about human behavior, and how it figures in the politics of research funding.

Genetic Explanations

Genetic Explanations PDF Author: Sheldon Krimsky
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674071093
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 314

Get Book Here

Book Description
Can genes determine which fifty-year-old will succumb to Alzheimer’s, which citizen will turn out on voting day, and which child will be marked for a life of crime? Yes, according to the Internet, a few scientific studies, and some in the biotechnology industry who should know better. Sheldon Krimsky and Jeremy Gruber gather a team of genetic experts to argue that treating genes as the holy grail of our physical being is a patently unscientific endeavor. Genetic Explanations urges us to replace our faith in genetic determinism with scientific knowledge about how DNA actually contributes to human development. The concept of the gene has been steadily revised since Watson and Crick discovered the structure of the DNA molecule in 1953. No longer viewed by scientists as the cell’s fixed set of master molecules, genes and DNA are seen as a dynamic script that is ad-libbed at each stage of development. Rather than an autonomous predictor of disease, the DNA we inherit interacts continuously with the environment and functions differently as we age. What our parents hand down to us is just the beginning. Emphasizing relatively new understandings of genetic plasticity and epigenetic inheritance, the authors put into a broad developmental context the role genes are known to play in disease, behavior, evolution, and cognition. Rather than dismissing genetic reductionism out of hand, Krimsky and Gruber ask why it persists despite opposing scientific evidence, how it influences attitudes about human behavior, and how it figures in the politics of research funding.

Primer of Genetic Analysis

Primer of Genetic Analysis PDF Author: James N. Thompson, Jr
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1139465643
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 488

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Book Description
An invaluable student-tested study aid, this primer, first published in 2007, provides guided instruction for the analysis and interpretation of genetic principles and practice in problem solving. Each section is introduced with a summary of useful hints for problem solving and an overview of the topic with key terms. A series of problems, generally progressing from simple to more complex, then allows students to test their understanding of the material. Each question and answer is accompanied by detailed explanation. This third edition includes additional problems in basic areas that often challenge students, extended coverage in molecular biology and development, an expanded glossary of terms, and updated historical landmarks. Students at all levels, from beginning biologists and premedical students to graduates seeking a review of basic genetics, will find this book a valuable aid. It will complement the formal presentation in any genetics textbook or stand alone as a self-paced review manual.

An Introduction to Statistical Genetic Data Analysis

An Introduction to Statistical Genetic Data Analysis PDF Author: Melinda C. Mills
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262357445
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 433

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Book Description
A comprehensive introduction to modern applied statistical genetic data analysis, accessible to those without a background in molecular biology or genetics. Human genetic research is now relevant beyond biology, epidemiology, and the medical sciences, with applications in such fields as psychology, psychiatry, statistics, demography, sociology, and economics. With advances in computing power, the availability of data, and new techniques, it is now possible to integrate large-scale molecular genetic information into research across a broad range of topics. This book offers the first comprehensive introduction to modern applied statistical genetic data analysis that covers theory, data preparation, and analysis of molecular genetic data, with hands-on computer exercises. It is accessible to students and researchers in any empirically oriented medical, biological, or social science discipline; a background in molecular biology or genetics is not required. The book first provides foundations for statistical genetic data analysis, including a survey of fundamental concepts, primers on statistics and human evolution, and an introduction to polygenic scores. It then covers the practicalities of working with genetic data, discussing such topics as analytical challenges and data management. Finally, the book presents applications and advanced topics, including polygenic score and gene-environment interaction applications, Mendelian Randomization and instrumental variables, and ethical issues. The software and data used in the book are freely available and can be found on the book's website.

Genetic Data Analysis for Plant and Animal Breeding

Genetic Data Analysis for Plant and Animal Breeding PDF Author: Fikret Isik
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319551779
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 409

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Book Description
This book fills the gap between textbooks of quantitative genetic theory, and software manuals that provide details on analytical methods but little context or perspective on which methods may be most appropriate for a particular application. Accordingly this book is composed of two sections. The first section (Chapters 1 to 8) covers topics of classical phenotypic data analysis for prediction of breeding values in animal and plant breeding programs. In the second section (Chapters 9 to 13) we provide the concept and overall review of available tools for using DNA markers for predictions of genetic merits in breeding populations. With advances in DNA sequencing technologies, genomic data, especially single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, have become available for animal and plant breeding programs in recent years. Analysis of DNA markers for prediction of genetic merit is a relatively new and active research area. The algorithms and software to implement these algorithms are changing rapidly. This section represents state-of-the-art knowledge on the tools and technologies available for genetic analysis of plants and animals. However, readers should be aware that the methods or statistical packages covered here may not be available or they might be out of date in a few years. Ultimately the book is intended for professional breeders interested in utilizing these tools and approaches in their breeding programs. Lastly, we anticipate the usage of this volume for advanced level graduate courses in agricultural and breeding courses.

Genetic Explanations

Genetic Explanations PDF Author: Sheldon Krimsky
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674067762
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 383

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Book Description
No longer viewed by scientists as the cell’s fixed master molecule, DNA is a dynamic script that is ad-libbed at each stage of development. What our parents hand down to us is just the beginning. Genetic Explanations urges us to replace our faith in genetic determinism with scientific knowledge about genetic plasticity and epigenetic inheritance.

Mathematical and Statistical Methods for Genetic Analysis

Mathematical and Statistical Methods for Genetic Analysis PDF Author: Kenneth Lange
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387217509
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 376

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Book Description
Written to equip students in the mathematical siences to understand and model the epidemiological and experimental data encountered in genetics research. This second edition expands the original edition by over 100 pages and includes new material. Sprinkled throughout the chapters are many new problems.

Genetic Analysis

Genetic Analysis PDF Author: Philip Mark Meneely
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199681260
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 580

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Book Description
With its unique integration of genetics and molecular biology, this text probes fascinating questions that explore how our understanding of key genetic phenomena can be used to understand biological systems. Opening with a brief overview of key genetic principles, model organisms, and epigenetics, the book goes on to explore the use of gene mutations, the analysis of gene expression and activity, a discussion of the genetic structure of natural populations, and more.

Advanced Genetic Analysis

Advanced Genetic Analysis PDF Author: R. Scott Hawley
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1444313088
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 256

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Book Description
Advanced Genetic Analysis brings a state-of-the-art,exciting new approach to genetic analysis. Focusing on theunderlying principles of modern genetic analysis, this bookprovides the 'how' and 'why' of the essential analytical toolsneeded. The author's vibrant, accessible style provides an easyguide to difficult genetic concepts, from mutation and genefunction to gene mapping and chromosome segregation. Throughout, abalanced range of model organisms and timely examples are used toillustrate the theoretical basics. Basic principles - Focuses students attention on the 'how' and'why' of the essential analytical tools. Vibrant, accessible style provides an easy guide throughdifficult genetic concepts and techniques. Text boxes highlight key questions and timely examples. Boxes of key information in each chapter, chapter summaries andextensive references - prompt the student to synthesise andreinforce the chapter material. Special reference section addressing a range of model organismsto help provide a particularly relevant context for students'research interests.

Genetic Analysis of Complex Disease

Genetic Analysis of Complex Disease PDF Author: William K. Scott
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118123913
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 340

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Book Description
Genetic Analysis of Complex Diseases An up-to-date and complete treatment of the strategies, designs and analysis methods for studying complex genetic disease in human beings In the newly revised Third Edition of Genetic Analysis of Complex Diseases, a team of distinguished geneticists delivers a comprehensive introduction to the most relevant strategies, designs and methods of analysis for the study of complex genetic disease in humans. The book focuses on concepts and designs, thereby offering readers a broad understanding of common problems and solutions in the field based on successful applications in the design and execution of genetic studies. This edited volume contains contributions from some of the leading voices in the area and presents new chapters on high-throughput genomic sequencing, copy-number variant analysis and epigenetic studies. Providing clear and easily referenced overviews of the considerations involved in genetic analysis of complex human genetic disease, including sampling, design, data collection, linkage and association studies and social, legal and ethical issues. Genetic Analysis of Complex Diseases also provides: A thorough introduction to study design for the identification of genes in complex traits Comprehensive explorations of basic concepts in genetics, disease phenotype definition and the determination of the genetic components of disease Practical discussions of modern bioinformatics tools for analysis of genetic data Reflecting on responsible conduct of research in genetic studies, as well as linkage analysis and data management New expanded chapter on complex genetic interactions This latest edition of Genetic Analysis of Complex Diseases is a must-read resource for molecular biologists, human geneticists, genetic epidemiologists and pharmaceutical researchers. It is also invaluable for graduate students taking courses in statistical genetics or genetic epidemiology.

Understanding Racial and Ethnic Differences in Health in Late Life

Understanding Racial and Ethnic Differences in Health in Late Life PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309165865
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 184

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Book Description
As the population of older Americans grows, it is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Differences in health by racial and ethnic status could be increasingly consequential for health policy and programs. Such differences are not simply a matter of education or ability to pay for health care. For instance, Asian Americans and Hispanics appear to be in better health, on a number of indicators, than White Americans, despite, on average, lower socioeconomic status. The reasons are complex, including possible roles for such factors as selective migration, risk behaviors, exposure to various stressors, patient attitudes, and geographic variation in health care. This volume, produced by a multidisciplinary panel, considers such possible explanations for racial and ethnic health differentials within an integrated framework. It provides a concise summary of available research and lays out a research agenda to address the many uncertainties in current knowledge. It recommends, for instance, looking at health differentials across the life course and deciphering the links between factors presumably producing differentials and biopsychosocial mechanisms that lead to impaired health.