Around ten years ago we interviewed a scientist about the potential for the ‘DNA Chip’ - a silicon based tool to analyze thousands of genes simultaneously. We were looking for an investment opportunity in this field due to the potential growth in demand for these research tools.
At the time we conducted the interview it was mostly a forecast of potential uses as the technology developed, used mainly to enhance genomic sequencing projects—especially the Human Genome Project. DNA chips are now finding applications throughout the field of molecular biology.
After hearing an interview on Bloomberg radio with Dr. David Servan-Schriber on his book on cancer (see below), and reading a number of articles on genetic testing, we decided to investigate the viability of these services. After reviewing a number of articles comparing the genetic testing providers, including a review on Bloomberg, we choose 23andMe to analyze our genetic sample.
A very simple process, the applicant provides the company with a saliva sample in a test kit by U.S. Mail. Within a month a report is generated by the company which identifies genetic factors that might be present that would indicate traits might be more probable or less probable for those with that genetic makeup.
For example, the 23andMe report indicates whether a party is more or less susceptible to diabetes, prostate cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, arthritis, and many other diseases—and also can be used to predict physical traits such as straight hair or blue eyes. While risks might be higher for those with certain genes, other recent reports indicate that the major genetic sequencing firms sometimes will generate conflicting information from the same saliva sample.
The genetic sequencing can also be used on the 23andMe website to track relatives who have taken the test. The firm classifies potential relatives by the degree of similarity between genes, identifying potentially close relatives versus those more distant.
Even when a party is genetically predisposed to higher risk of disease environmental factors play a major role in whether a party actually gets the disease. The argument between the degree of importance between genetics and environment is one that has no easy answer, and might vary between genes and individuals. In some cases environmental factors are needed for a gene to express itself—so diet, exercise, and lifestyle can reduce the probability a harmful gene will impact an individual.
Several interesting books have been written in the last few years dealing with evolutionary biology, diet, genetics, aging, disease, lifestyles, and studies related to genetics and health. Some of the more interesting books we have reviewed include the following:
- ‘The China Study’ by Dr. Colin Campbell is a review of a decades long study of disease and diet in China. Statistics indicated that certain diseases such as cancer were much more common in urban areas than in rural areas of the country. Since the genetic blueprint of most of these individuals was very similar the huge difference in disease occurrence was probably due to environmental factors.
- Campbell makes the argument that individuals in urban areas were much more likely to have adopted the “western” diet with high levels of protein and sugars. He concludes the massive difference in disease and obesity rates between the urban and rural areas in China were probably due to diet—and that plant based diets are more likely to lower the risk of disease than high-protein diets commonly seen in industrialized countries.
- Interviewed on Bloomberg radio Dr. David Servan-Schreiber in his book ’Anticancer, A New Way of Life’ discusses his two experiences with brain cancer and the chemotherapy and surgery treatments he underwent for the disease. After the experience Servan-Schreiber spent months researching a mass of scientific data on natural defenses against cancer. After a lucid introduction to cancer and its causes and the impact of genetics, he points out studies indicating that a poor diet, unhealthy habits, some hormones, and environmental toxins increase risk.
- Dr. Servan-Schreiber advises that the studies indicate that individuals can lower cancer risks by avoiding white sugar and flour, eating more vegetables and dark-colored fruits, and getting regular exercise. He claims these practices create a new way of life. The book has been a best-seller in France
- One of the more interesting topics discussed on the Bloomberg radio interview with Dr. Servan-Schreiber was the effect of exercise on health, and the recent scientific studies of exercise and disease. In ‘Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain’ John J. Ratey investigates the transformative effects of exercise on the brain. The book explains role exercise plays in our mental processes. Exercising our muscles produces proteins that play roles in our highest thought processes. Ratey claims that studies indicate exercise can reduce stress, lift mood and fight depression, reduce memory loss, and sharpen the intellect. The theme is that aerobic exercise physically remodels the brain for peak performance.
- On the same theme, but much more technical in nature, are a series of essays by practitioners in ‘Cancer Prevention and Management through Exercise and Weight Control’ edited by Anne McTiernan. The book discusses medical studies and findings on physical activity and cancer incidence and obesity. The bottom line is that many studies indicate that exercise has a statistically significant preventative impact on cancers, although the exact mechanism for this is unclear. Possibly exercise prevents cancer genes from expressing themselves, possibly it reduces obesity and other risk factors, or possibly it changes the chemistry of the blood and circulating hormones.
- ‘In Defense of Food’ by Michael Pollan discusses the Western diet and the problems it is creating health-wise. The outlines problems and practical solutions to the lack of nutrients and excess of fat and sugar in daily meals Good health is often less a matter of miracle medicines than of a healthy diet. His simple advice: ‘Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants.’
- ‘Pandora’s Seed’ by geneticist Spencer Wells traces the evolution of the human genome and the beginnings of agriculture some 10,000 years ago. Wells maintains that putting away the spear and taking up the plow have not been unalloyed boons to humanity. Due to genetic characteristics that have evolved over generations modern Western style agriculture has resulted in increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, malaria, dental decay, and other maladies. The carbohydrate- and sugar-rich diet unboxed by the agricultural revolution has created a Pandora’s box. An interesting discussion of genetic anthropology, health, evolution, and the future path of human evolution
- ‘Long for this World’ by Jonathan Weiner researched why the several trillion cells in our body deteriorate in much the same way that machinery deteriorates with age. The answer seems to be that the complex systems for repair and replacement of cell machinery slowly, and finally rapidly, stop repairing and replacing parts. As a result, the cells die, and so does the living creature. Some suspected that the cause of this might be damage to the many genes controlling the repair and replacement process. Research seems to indicate that something of this sort is the case, and it raises the question of how long we can live if we can get the repair and replacement process started again. Weiner reviews the recent research on extending life, and the consequences.
- ‘The Youth Pill: Scientists at the brink of the Anti-Aging Revolution’ by David Stipp makes a case that researchers can create pills that create the same effects inside our cells that calorie restriction does. Animals that exist on low calorie diets -- at least one-third less than normal -- live 20% or more longer than their normally fed peers. He examines the genetic issues and theory behind why animals have the life spans they do, some of the genetic problems with extending life, and recent biotechnology firms trying to develop an ‘anti-aging’ pill and the difficulties they face.
- In ‘Happy: Simple Steps to Get the Most Out of Life’ Dr. Ian Smith discusses how a person’s mood and outlook on life is genetically set according to studies—but genetics account only around one half of the personality traits. He discusses how individuals, even those genetically pre-disposed to a gloomy outlook on life and irritability, can utilize methods identified in studies to make them more satisfied and pleased with their life circumstances.
- ‘Eternity Soup’ by Greg Critser discusses recent developments in anti-aging science and how these studies are being marketed or developed. Not as detailed, well researched, organized, or as interesting, as other recent books on this topic.
All said it has been an incredible decade, but as most of the books indicate the technological advances in the health sector have only just begun.
