Gene Genie and I are in the same town this weekend. While Genie is over at Neurophilosophy, I just returned to London this morning from my annual trip to the San Francisco Bay Area to visit family and friends. The trip was totally satisfying and I also had the good fortune to hook up with some brilliant people who are as intense about genetics as I am, including 23andMe, Lisa Lee at DNA Direct (along with some serious IM chats with Jason Bobe), and Thomas Goetz at Wired. Silicon Valley feels like the center of the world. I can’t believe I moved away 13 years ago never to return (well, never say never ). By the way, for a giggle read this: DNA Proves Winehouse is Shergar. I had no idea if Amy Winehouse sounded like a horse or not until... [Read more]

The future of heart surgery may involve this little caterpillar-like robot called HeartLander. It inches along on the surface of your heart and is capable of performing: ablation for atrial fibrillation lead placement for biventricular pacing delivery of myocardial regenerative treatments Watch the videos and learn more at Guardian Unlimited. Is it just me or does it look really huge and awkward stomping on the pig heart?! [Read more]

A Florida bill to require DNA testing of pregnant girls under the age of 14 has been voted down. The bill would have asked doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers (including abortion providers) to collect DNA from the girl and her fetus for the purpose of identifying the father for prosecution. Sex with minors under the age of 16 in Florida is a crime. Opponents are concerned that: Young pregnant girls would be discouraged from seeking healthcare for fear their boyfriends would be prosecuted. (Although I wonder how many teenagers keep up with legislation surrounding pregnancy.) Confidentiality between a doctor and a patient would be violated. (Healthcare providers already have to report instances of child abuse although presumably they’d... [Read more]

Hi from my vacation perch! Just popping by to say that if you’re looking for some healthy good reading, go check out That’s Fit. Brigitte Dale introduced A Hearty Life to their readers the other day. Thanks!! A Hearty Life is a lighter-reading blog that covers anything to do with your heart, from interesting facts to news and personal stories. I’ll be back to full-time posting next week. Hope you are all hearty and well. ~Hsien [Read more]

My vacation has thus far not included a spa visit, but if I ever do make it to one again in my lifetime, I might be tempted to find one that offers DNA testing. More in the New York Times: It is possible to get many things at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, Calif., but a blood-and-urine panel that analyzes the condition of your DNA is a relatively new development. The panel, offered through the California WellBeing Institute as part of several luxury-lifestyle packages, including a $2,800 executive physical, is boomingly popular: about 50 people signed up in January, the first month it was available. My previous post about DNA Tests at Beauty Spas. HT: Linda [Read more]