Should Genome Sequencing Be Part of Routine Newborn Screening?

01/28/2014

The campus community is invited to a presentation by Theodore Namm, Ph.D. Professor of Clinical Laboratory and Nutritional Sciences at UMass Lowell:

"Should Genome Sequencing Be Part of Routine Newborn Screening?"

Thursday, January 30

12:30-1:30 p.m.

O'Leary 222 (South Campus)

Numerous screening tests are performed on every baby born in the United States. Depending on the individual statutes for each state, these include tests for PKU, hearing anomalies, certain congenital heart defects, hemoglobin disorders, certain inborn errors of metabolism, and many others. Genetic testing can be done by request, but usually targets one specific condition, or one group of related conditions. The question being posed by this talk revolves around mandated screening of the entire newborn genome to check for a multitude of genetic diseases.  

Ted Namm is a Professor of Genetics and Anatomy & Physiology in the Department of Clinical Laboratory and Nutritional Sciences. He teaches Anatomy and Physiology lecture and labs. He also teaches an undergraduate course entitled "Medical and Clinical Genetics," required for the Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and Medical Laboratory Sciences. In addition, Namm created, and continues to teach, a graduate online course called "Clinical Applications of Molecular Genetics," which is required for the Master's Degree in Clinical Lab Sciences.

All faculty, staff, and students are welcome. No reservations are necessary.

This colloquium is sponsored by the Department of Clinical Laboratory and Nutritional Sciences.