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Why it matters that the human genome map was updated and what biotech’s doing about food allergies—plus, breaking news about the BIO International Convention keynote speaker. (656 words, 3 minutes, 16 seconds) |
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Breaking News: Katie Couric to keynote BIO Convention |
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Katie Couric, award-winning journalist and best-selling author, will discuss her advocacy for science and patients as keynote speaker at the BIO International Convention on June 6 in Boston, BIO announced today. Why Katie Couric? A long-time cancer advocate and breast cancer survivor, she’ll emphasize the importance of the patient voice in developing new therapeutic treatments.
What they’re saying: “Katie’s journey from caregiver, to advocate, to patient has inspired her relentless efforts to raise awareness and money for cancer research,” says BIO CEO Rachel King, who will interview her. “She truly embodies this year’s theme, Stand Up for Science.”
The details: The BIO International Convention, the largest global event for the biotech industry, gathers more than 15,000 leaders in innovation. This year’s event takes place June 5-8 in Boston—click here to register now. |
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The human genome map was just updated – here’s why |
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Scientists published an updated—and more diverse—map of the human genome last week. Here’s why it matters. Why update the map? The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)’s 20-year-old human genome map is driving advances in gene editing and personalized medicine—but 70% came from one man in Buffalo, and the rest primarily from people of European descent.
What’s improved? The “pangenome,” based on 47 people, provides DNA sequencing “that far better represents the diversity of the human population,” says NHGRI.
Why it matters: The more diverse map will help reduce disparities in medicine and allow for greater understanding of genetic variants, Smithsonian Magazine reports. It also fills gaps, “with nearly 120 million previously missing DNA letters added to the three-billion-letter-long code,” says The New York Times.
What they’re saying: “The revamped genome map represents a crucial tool for scientists and clinicians hoping to identify genetic variations associated with disease. It also promises to deliver treatments that can benefit all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or ancestry,” researchers told The Times.
What’s next: NHGRI plans to include 350 people in its pangenome by 2024, because the “draft of a pangenome reference” published last week needs refining, the NHGRI researchers explain in Nature. |
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Food allergies hit 1 in 10 – but gene editing can help |
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BIO Office Hours: Ask an FDA Inspection Expert
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An FDA or regulatory inspection can be stressful, especially your first one. How do you prepare? Do you fully understand the procedures and process? What are the steps following the inspection close? BIO members can meet with a PSC Biotech inspection expert for one-on-one sessions on May 24 and 25 to ask questions and access resources.
Learn more about this exclusive BIO member benefit and schedule your appointment today.
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President Biden’s Tuesday: Yesterday, he announced the nomination of cancer surgeon Dr. Monica M. Bertagnolli to lead NIH. Today, he’s meeting House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to discuss a debt limit deal. No deal has been set yet, and Biden heads for a G7 meeting in Japan tomorrow, CBS reports.
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: We’ll be watching today’s House Ways and Means hearing, Health Care Price Transparency: A Patient’s Right to Know. (Yes, we’re listening for talk about PBMs.) We’re also interested in the Senate Appropriations hearing, A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 24 Budget Request: Investing in US Security, Competitiveness, and the Path Ahead for the U.S.-China Relationship. |
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