Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Genomics and Health Outcomes (with Noor Siddiqui)
Jul 4, 2021
Noor Siddiqui, Founder and CEO of Orchid and a former AI researcher at Stanford, dives into the explosion of genomic advancements. She explains how genetic testing can empower prospective parents to assess health risks for their future children, emphasizing the ethical implications. Noor contrasts Orchid's comprehensive services with other genetic testing companies, explores the role of 'junk DNA', and discusses the complexities of gene editing technologies like CRISPR. Plus, she addresses the moral obligations parents face regarding genetic risks.
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Parallel Revolutions
- Genomics and AI share similar growth trajectories, driven by decreasing compute and storage costs.
- These advancements allow for larger datasets, leading to breakthroughs in both fields.
Data Limitations in Genomics
- Early genomics research faced limitations due to insufficient data, hindering progress in understanding complex diseases.
- Sequencing more individuals became crucial for identifying significant genetic factors.
Complex vs. Simple Genetic Diseases
- Common diseases like heart disease are influenced by numerous genes, unlike single-gene disorders.
- Modern genetics utilizes large datasets to identify these complex genetic factors.