The Age of Genomics

Abstract

This edition of Australasian Science focuses on the ethical, legal and social issues associated with advances in genomic science. Faster and more accurate sequencing of human genomes; smaller and smarter wearable technologies; an increasingly connected world; direct access to health testing; improvements in data storage. These are just some recent innovations now influencing Australian health care and society, and this issue of Australasian Science focuses on their associated social, ethical and legal issues. Some have called for the genomes of all newborn babies to be sequenced. David Amor and I take a critical look at this idea (p.12) and argue that, despite its potential benefits, genome sequencing is not yet appropriate for wide population use – on scientific, economic and ethical grounds. We also need to learn more about the impact of genomic information. Amelia Smit and Anne Cust (p.15) look at whether people change their health behaviours after receiving individual risk information. While existing evidence doesn’t show much difference, there are problems with these studies. We also don’t know enough about the psychological impact of this information