Search results for "genetic terminology"

A matter of terminology, when terminology matters: naming common genetic diseases

2016

In recent years, the rapid evolution of scientific research on DNA has unlocked the codes to genetic conditions and contributed unveiling the causes of diseases once unknown. All this brought about a number of economic issues regarding private and public investment in research, treatment and prevention (e.g. advertising and screening campaigns), which are especially prominent in the case of common (vs rare) genetic diseases. Furthermore, genetic diseases with a high phenotypical impact (HIP), involve more social stigma and are thus particularly ethically connoted. Not only, the advancement of medical (genetic) science usually goes hand in hand with a change in terminology. Most genetic dise…