Should researchers who collect genetic material for one purpose be able to use this material for other, unrelated studies? And if so, under what circumstances? This important question surrounding the meaning of informed consent and the use of genetic material is being asked after several, recent legal disputes. This issue will continue to be an area of great interest to the biobanking community.

Read the article.

The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Office of Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research (OBBR) has developed a new website for its cancer Human Biobank (caHUB) initiative. The site contains resources for the general public, professionals who work with biospecimens, potential partners, healthcare professionals, and patients. Biospecimens are essential resources for accelerating the development of molecular-based diagnostics and therapeutics for personalized medicine.

View the caHUB website.

BBC Radio 4 has developed a four part radio series, The Age of the Genome, presented by evolutionary biologist, Professor Richard Dawkins. This series summarizes the benefits and advances of The Human Genome Project such as the discovery of hundreds of genes implicated in the risk of common ailments such as heart disease, diabetes and schizophrenia.

Listen to the radio series.

Genetic Alliance is now accepting applications for the Advocates Partnership Program at two upcoming conferences: 1) the National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Education Conference, October 14-17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas, and 2) the American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting, November 2-6, 2010 in Washington, DC. These are unparalleled opportunities for those interested in building new or stronger partnerships between advocates and the genetic counseling and genetic research fields.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please apply early: NSGC (deadline to apply August 20) and ASHG (deadline to apply September 10).

Genetic Alliance offers a variety of internship opportunities, including internships in Biomedical Research, Diagnostics, and Drug Development, and Health Informatics and Technology Partnerships. Individuals at various stages of their academic and professional careers are encouraged to apply.

IQPC’s 3rd Biobanking Conference, August 19-20, 2010, will address major challenges faced by both start-up and established biorepositories. Genetic Alliance BioBank Director, Liz Horn, will be speaking at the conference.

Missed the Genetic Alliance Annual Conference? Conference presentations are now available online by searching "Conference 2010" or "Advancing Novel Partnerships" in the Resource Repository.