DNA sequencing in newborns reveals years of actionable findings for infants and families

Brigham and Women's Hospital |
June 2023
Press Release

“By screening apparently healthy newborns, entire families were alerted for the first time that dangerous but treatable genetic variants were present,” said corresponding author Robert C. Green, MD, MPH, a physician-scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School, who leads the BabySeq Project. “We were stunned to see that … Continued

The missing links: How to ensure omics data fulfills its promise

BioCentury |
May 2023
Press

“Omics data could herald a revolution in healthcare. The analysis of rich, interconnected and longitudinal multi-omics datasets promises a better understanding of the underlying biology of human health and disease, which in turn could lead to more effective prevention, earlier and more accurate diagnoses, new treatments and better choice of treatments. Despite that promise, only … Continued

A meaningful and personal career transition

Brigham Clinical & Research News |
May 2023
G2P News

Shaye Williams, G2P’s operation coordinator and diversity, equity, and inclusion lead, shares the story of her career transition into genomics research. After being introduced to genetic counseling as a prenatal patient, Shaye pursued an internship with G2P to learn more about the profession.

Your DNA can now be pulled from thin air. Privacy experts are worried.

New York Times |
May 2023
Press

“Anna Lewis, a Harvard researcher who studies the ethical, legal and social implications of genetics research, said that environmental DNA hadn’t been widely discussed by experts in bioethics. But after the findings from Dr. Duffy and his colleagues, it will be.”

Genetics experts support adding hundreds of treatable rare diseases to newborn screening

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences |
May 2023
Press

“In a newly released study, nearly nine of 10 experts on rare diseases agreed that sequencing healthy newborns’ DNA to reveal treatable genetic disorders should be available for all infants. At least half of experts also endorsed testing for more than 400 genes as part of such newborn genomic screens. These NCATS-supported study results might … Continued

Should all U.S. newborns undergo genomic testing?

U.S. News & World Report |
May 2023
Press

“While newborns are only screened for about 60 treatable conditions, there are hundreds of genetic disorders that have targeted treatments. Now, a national survey of experts in rare diseases found the vast majority support DNA sequencing in healthy newborns…’It has been a longstanding dream to someday offer DNA sequencing to all newborns in order to … Continued

Rare disease experts support newborn genome sequencing

Inside Precision Medicine |
May 2023
Press

“Research led by Mass General Hospital for Children suggests that almost 90% of rare disease experts are in favor of newborn genome sequencing for monogenic treatable disorders…’Early identification of infants who are at risk for genetic disorders can be lifesaving and screening has the potential to improve healthcare disparities for affected children,’ said lead author … Continued

Mass General Brigham-led study finds experts support DNA sequencing in newborns

Mass General Brigham |
May 2023
Press Release

“Findings from a new study led by researchers at Mass General Brigham suggest that rare disease experts are now in favor of more expansive newborn testing. In a study published today in JAMA Network Open, 88 percent of rare disease experts agreed that DNA sequencing to screen for treatable childhood disorders should be made available … Continued