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90% of readers believe that mobile technology and increasing online access make social media an ideal platform for attracting younger generations of South Africans to SET fields of study. |
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5% of readers say they are not sure. |
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5% of readers say that this time and money could be better spent on outreach projects. |
Exoplanet extraordinaire… Only a few weeks into the new year and already four new exoplanets have been discovered. An exoplanet is a planet that orbits a star in a solar system other than that of the earth. It looks as though 2012 is going to be a year filled with discovery.
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IN THE NEWS
Genomes – why we need to know more
By Melissa Gopaul, project officer, Public Understanding of Biotechnology
The Public Understanding of Biotechnology (PUB) programme recently participated in their fourth Critical Thinkers’ Session focussing on the human genome and its research and legislation in South Africa. Scientists from various fields attended, discussing what the human genome currently means for our country.
The fourth in a series of Critical Thinkers’ Sessions hosted by the PUB programme, in collaboration with the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF), took place at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town on 24 November last year. The focus was on the human genome and the associated Southern African Human Genome Project (SAHGP), which was launched in early 2011.
Under the guidance of Professor Michael Pepper (University of Pretoria), member of the SAHGP, an interesting programme was put together including a host of specialists from various fields. Sessions started with an overall look at the human genome and the legislation thereof. The discussion led by Professor Melodie Slabbert (UNISA), was an eye-opener to many delegates, as there is currently no proper South African legislation in place pertaining to the research of the human genome. This leads to problems such as unscrupulous doctors taking advantage of individuals who are desperate for medical solutions to diseases.
Human genome research has vast potential. It can help us better understand the diseases that human beings are prone to as well as uncover treatments for diseases that currently have no cure. Professor Michele Ramsay (University of the Witwatersrand), another prominent scientist working on the SAHGP, explained that the South African population is unique and that certain populations and race groups are more pre-disposed to some diseases than others. Understanding the different population and race genomes as well as the diseases to which they are prone, could have both short- and long-term health benefits for our country.
According to Professor Louise Warnich (Stellenbosch University), increased knowledge on the genome could have a reciprocal effect on skills, technology and medical applications. In addition, it could lead to improved legislation on genetics research and an overall advancement of science and an improvement in public health.
Anthony Egan (South African Jesuit Institute) delved into the issue of bridging the communication gap between the science behind the SAHGP and the different religions and cultures in South Africa. He highlighted the diversity as well as the complexity of religious, ethnic and moral beliefs when looking at sequencing the human genome, as well as social issues such as abortion, genetic discrimination, genetic predetermination of criminals, and cloning.
The session raised several social and medical issues and led to intense discussion and debate. One thing was clear: South Africa desperately needs secure legislation around human genome research to protect our country’s economic and genetic interests.