Artificial intelligence to help interpret genomic data

Watson—IBM’s intelligent computer that can speak and learn—is now being harnessed to break down the barriers between genomic data and personal health. Best known for beating human game-show champions, Watson will now be spending time scanning genomic publications and incorporating those findings into a proprietary infrastructure developed by Coriell Life Sciences in Camden, NJ, which won IBM’s Global Entrepreneur of the Year award for 2014. As a prize, Coriell is using Watson technology to speed the process of incorporating data from relevant genomic studies into its genetic risk-assessment system. Coriell plans to offer genomic reports in language meaningful to physicians. For example, the report might flag a patient with an increased risk of an adverse drug reaction and identify an alternative treatment. The company plans to securely store genomic data and to continually update its databases as new genomic discoveries are made, using artificial intelligence to modify and enhance the advice it offers to physicians and patients. As described by Coriell, the aim is to bridge the gap between genomic information and actionable data so as to change how patients receive treatment, ultimately improving their health. —Karyn Hede, News Editor

Researchers high on potential of pot genome

First it was Arabidopsis (rock cress), then crop plants such as rice, corn and wheat. Next up….pot? Few plant species have had their full genomes sequenced—so why choose cannabis, a plant that until very recently could not be grown legally in the United States? Nolan Kane, assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, thinks now is the time to sniff out the pot genome. His Cannabis Genomic Research Initiative will attempt to sequence 150 cultivars of cannabis, ranging from those intended to provide hemp to various medicinal varieties. For a species that has captivated humans for centuries, relatively little is known about the plant, and little to no scientific research has been possible, at least in the United States. Even state legalization didn’t really clear the way for research. But a provision in the most recent farm bill permits universities in states that permit hemp cultivation to conduct research without losing federal funding. That clears the way for genomics research that could provide hemp farmers and marijuana growers worldwide with genomic information to assist breeding of desired traits and that may provide information valuable to the plant genomics community. —Karyn Hede, News Editor

Genetics in Medicine | Mission Statement

Genetics in Medicine is a monthly journal committed to the timely publication of:

  • Original reports which enhance the knowledge and practice of medical genetics

  • Strategies and innovative approaches to the education of medical providers at all levels in the realm of genetics

As the official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the journal will:

  • Provide a forum for discussion, debate and innovation concerning the changing and expanding role of medical genetics within the broader context of medicine

  • Fulfill our responsibility to the College membership through the publication of guidelines, policy statements and other information that enhances the practice and understanding of medical genetics

Finally, as genetics becomes increasingly important in the wider medical arena, we will be an accessible and authoritative resource for the dissemination of medical genetic knowledge to providers outside of the genetics community through appropriate reviews, discussions, recommendations and guidelines.