The Ethics of Genetic Testing with Dr. Stuart Kim & Neil deGrasse Tyson

Can you predict your future health using genetics? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly explore advances in genetic testing, polygenic risk scores, and the future of genetics with geneticist Dr. Stuart Kim.

When did we start to detect gene markers? Learn about Mendelian genetics versus complex genetics and how the UK Biobank changed the field. How do you screen for genetic markers? We discuss polygenetic risk scores and candidate gene studies. Could you predict an ACL tear with genetics? What would you be looking for genetically? Is there a genetic reason why Chuck needs a root canal?

How can you use knowledge of genetics to enhance performance? Discover the case of cross country skier Eero Mantyranta and how he stumped the World Anti-Doping Agency. Is there such a thing as genetically cheating? We debate the value of genetics in athletics and if it can count for everything. When does genetics become eugenics?

How can genetic testing help athletes not get hurt? How will this impact recruiting decisions? We explore the ethics of recruiting off of genetics and how it could be used to benefit the athlete. Can you genetically code for mental fortitude? What is the role of genetic testing moving forward?

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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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00:00 - Introduction: Genetics
07:40 - Mendellian vs. Complex Genetics
10:40 - Polygenic Risk Score
16:30 - Can you predict an injury?
21:55 - Using Genetics & Eero Mantyranta
26:09 - Is there such a thing as genetic cheating?
32:00 - Ethics
39:10 - Genetics & Longevity
41:30 - Evaluating Players for Injury
45:40 - Future of Genetics