Americans Could Be Key To New Cures (NAPSA)—Genetic research has helped doctors understand the root causes of a number of diseases—knowledge that could someday lead to countless cures. In fact, scientists say studying genetics could help with the treatment of conditions ranging from ALS and leukemia to migraines and severe food allergies. Now, Americans could help guide those efforts and influence which diseases are studied by directly contributing to research on the conditions they care about most. But instead of simply making a direct contribution, people can donate raw scientific data. It’s part of a unique program called the Research Revolution, run by a leading personal genetics company, 23andMe. Special “Contest” From July 7-September 30, people can enroll and pledge their support and allow their data to be used for research on one of several diseases or conditions, including ALS, celiac disease, epilepsy, lymphoma and leukemia, migraines, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, severe food allergies andtesticular cancer. Participants get a limited version of the company’s Personal Genome Service Research Edition at a special price ($99), which includes genetic information related to over 100 health conditions and inherited traits, as well as the chance to vote for the disease they would most like the company to investigate. Participants simply provide saliva through 23andMe’s saliva collection kit and pledge to take surveys that collect data for those studies. For every disease or condition that reaches the minimum number of participants required for valid scientific analysis, the company From The Ground Up: A unique grassroots research program lets people guide medical research toward the diseases they care about most. will conduct a research program— including finding the appropriate experts and collaborators to partner with in order to provide research findings, design a genetic research study and continue to recruit participants for these additional studies. The disease or condition with the most support will be the first target for research. By combiningparticipants’ data with their responses to surveys about their health and experiences, the company may discover new genetic risk markers for diseases and why some people respond to treatment more readily than others. Getting Involved To pledge your support to the disease you want to see researched, visit www.23andme.com/research revolution. During the three-month period, updates will be posted, including a display of the contest’s real-time results. To directly contribute to research by participating in the studies, you can enroll in the 23andMeResearch Edition through the Website.
