Archive for Friday, August 29, 2008
NIH blocks database over privacy concerns
August 29, 2008
Advertisement
Maryland — The National Institutes of Health quietly blocked public access to databases of patient DNA profiles after learning of a study that found the genetic information may not be as anonymous as previously believed, the Los Angeles Times has learned.
NIH officials took the unusual step on Monday and removed two databases on the public Web site. The databases contained the genetic information of more than 60,000 cooperating patients. Scientists began posting the information publicly eight months ago for the purpose of furthering medical research.
Creators of the database had taken steps to mask the identities of individual patients, summarizing and aggregating the genetic information. However, the independent study released today reported that a new type of DNA analysis could confirm the identity of an individual in a pool of similarly masked data if that person's genetic profile was already known.
Such a confirmation could reveal the patient's participation in a study about a specific medical condition, experts said, and deny the patient their presumed confidentiality.
More like this
- DNA database grows as prosecutors cut deals October 6, 2009
- Nation briefs April 6, 2001
- U.S. to fund controversial stem cell research August 24, 2000
- DNA database ruled unconstitutional October 3, 2003
- News briefs August 1, 2000
Top ads RSS
- INSURANCE ASSISTANT Immediate part to full-time Assistant with life, accident ...
- Tax Prep Help Wanted Full-time, Temporary Position for the 2009 ...
- Customer Service Representatives • Various shifts available • Monday - ...
- LMH Employment Opportunities
- Googols of Learning Child Development Center is now hiring for ...
Marketplace
Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services
- Quiet revolution taking place in America November 25, 2009 · 128 comments
- Former KU Chancellor Laurence Chalmers dies November 25, 2009 · 35 comments
- Obama to promise 17% cuts in U.S. emissions in next decade November 26, 2009 · 38 comments
- Turbine manufacturer passes on Lawrence site November 24, 2009 · 90 comments
- Blog: How Has Obama's Stimulus Helped You? November 21, 2009 · 80 comments
- Two treated at hospital after fight outside Cadillac Ranch November 26, 2009 · 26 comments
- Heeding heart attack’s message November 26, 2009 · 14 comments
- Local residents work together to make donation to Locks of Love November 25, 2009 · 5 comments
- Nation has right to ask ‘why?’ November 21, 2009 · 143 comments
- On the street: Which do you prefer, white meat or dark meat? November 26, 2009 · 26 comments
- Double Take: Parent considers home drug testing November 24, 2009
- At Fambrough’s urging, fans show support for KU football November 26, 2009
- Lawrence likely to land distribution center November 24, 2009
- Local residents work together to make donation to Locks of Love November 25, 2009
- Tight credit slows state’s business development November 27, 2009
- Pie Lady makes holidays sweeter November 26, 2009
- Witness claims two took turns killing family March 24, 1960
- Munchers to honor owner at open house November 26, 2009
- Message warns students at Perry-Lecompton not to attend class today April 20, 2007
- High school sweetheart recalls the day his life changed forever April 3, 2005
Post a comment
Requires free LJWorld.com registration. Register or log in below.
Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
Post a blog entry
You have to be logged in to blog on LJWorld.com. Please log in or sign up.
Learn more about blogging on LJWorld.com.