“As we roll out genomic medicine we are fighting against this society-wide misconception that having the bad gene means you’re going to get the disease. That’s only true in a very few cases.”

Source:Today Health

Address of the bookmark: http://www.today.com/health/should-you-get-sequenced-not-all-bad-genes-predict-disease-8C11017154

Applicants should hold a PhD or a first class MSc/MTech degree in Bioinformatics of Biotechnology/Life Sciences; experience in using bioinformatics tools, working in Linux and knowledge of computer network administration.

Submit CV and letter of interest by email to: Dr. Dinesh Gupta atdinesh@icgeb.res.in

Email: admin@niab.org.in Telephones: +91 40 2304 9403 Telefax: +91 40 2304 2740
Advertisement No: 5/2014

About NIAB National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, an autonomous institute under the aegis of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, is aimed to harness novel and emerging biotechnologies and create knowledge in the cutting edge areas for improving animal health and productivity.

Applications are invited for the following temporary research positions to work in ongoing DBTBBSRC sponsored research project entitled “Transcriptome Analysis in Indian buffalo and the Genetics of Innate Immunity” at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad.

(A) Project Scientist – Level B (One Position)

Emoluments: Rs. 15600 + GP Rs. 5400 + 30 % HRA p.m. (Total emoluments will be Rs. 49,770/-p.m. for the duration of the project)

Essential Qualification: Candidates having M.V.Sc. in Veterinary Microbiology / Veterinary Pathology / Veterinary Public Health / Ph.D. degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or any other related field from the recognized university are eligible to apply.

The candidate should have a good academic record and research experience as evidenced from published in standard referred journals / patents.

Desirable: Candidates having research experience in the area of tissue culture, genomics, Transcriptomics and Advanced Molecular Biology will be given preference.

Age Limit: Not exceeding 30 years as on last date of the submission of the application.

(B) Research Associate in Bioinformatics (One position)

Fellowship: Rs. 22,000 + 30 % HRA

Essential Qualification: Candidates having Ph.D. degree or M.Tech. with three years of
experience in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biotechnology, Life Sciences or any other related field are eligible to apply.

Desirable: Candidate having research experience in the area of next generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis, Genome wide association studies, Genomic selection, advance genomic data analysis etc., will be given preference. The candidate should have a good academic record and research experience as evidenced from published papers in standard journals / patents.

Age Limit: Not exceeding 30 years as on last date of the submission of the application.

Project Duration: The duration of the project is Three years and the positions are co- terminus with the duration of the project. (Initial appointment will be for one year and further extension will be granted based on annual review).

Mode of submission of application: Only online applications are to be submitted through
www.niab.org.in on or before 08 December, 2014. Link for online submission of applications will be available from 10 November 2014.

Advertisement: www.niab.org.in/Notifications/Advt_5_2014/Advt_5_2014.pdf

Understanding Genome Screening

Genome screening involves analyzing an individual's DNA to identify genetic variations that may influence health and disease susceptibility. This can range from simple single-gene tests to comprehensive whole-genome sequencing. By peering into our genetic blueprint, we can uncover risks for conditions like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even rare genetic disorders.

The process is straightforward: a saliva or blood sample is collected, and advanced sequencing technologies decipher the genetic code. The results provide a personalized health map, guiding lifestyle modifications, preventive measures, or medical interventions.

A Shift from Reactive to Proactive Healthcare

Traditional healthcare often focuses on treating diseases after they manifest. Genome screening flips this model on its head, enabling a shift toward prevention and early intervention. For instance:

• Cancer Risk Management: Individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations can opt for enhanced screening programs or preventive surgeries to mitigate their risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

• Cardiovascular Health: Genetic predispositions to conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia can prompt early cholesterol monitoring and lifestyle adjustments.

• Rare Diseases: Identifying carriers of genetic disorders can aid in family planning and reduce the incidence of inherited conditions.

The Ethical and Practical Concerns

While genome screening offers incredible promise, it is not without challenges:

1. Accuracy and Interpretation: Genetic predisposition does not guarantee disease. Misinterpretation of results can lead to unnecessary anxiety or unwarranted medical interventions.

2. Privacy and Data Security: Genetic data is highly sensitive. Ensuring robust data protection measures is crucial to prevent misuse.

3. Accessibility and Equity: High costs and limited availability may restrict access to genome screening, exacerbating health disparities.

Balancing Science and Pseudoscience

The comparison of genome screening to horoscopes isn’t entirely unfounded. Both offer predictive insights, but the scientific foundation of genome screening distinguishes it from astrology. Unlike the alignment of celestial bodies, genetic predictions are based on rigorous data and evidence. However, the probabilistic nature of genetic predispositions underscores the importance of interpreting results in conjunction with clinical and lifestyle factors.

The Road Ahead

As genome screening becomes more affordable and integrated into routine healthcare, its potential to transform lives is immense. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and genetic counselors must collaborate to ensure ethical implementation, public awareness, and equitable access.

Imagine a future where your genetic "horoscope" is a trusted guide, not just a prediction. Early genome screening could help chart a healthier path for generations, making it a cornerstone of personalized medicine. After all, our genes might just hold the key to unlocking a future of better health and well-being.

This is an exciting opportunity for Master's students to train in modern methods in Bioinformatics. The duration of the training will be four to six months, starting from January 2015.

Education: Pursuing M.Sc. Bioinformatics

Essential: Post graduate applicants should have completed their first year and should be in the third semester or first half of the second year.

Only students who are willing to spend a minimum period of 4 months to a maximum of six months, without any break, would be eligible for the program.

How to Apply: Candidates interested in the above project dissertation program should apply online.

Send your CV, Scanned copy of letter of recommendation from Head of Institution along with Registration form in the given format should be sent to: info@bicpgi.org

Please mention clearly “Project dissertation & your Name” in the Subject.

The last date for application is December 31, 2014

Note: Selected candidates may please note that the program is free of cost and would not provide any financial aid for transport and stay.

Name of the selected candidates would be posted on the centre website by December 31, 2014. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

For more information visit our website: http://www.bic-pgi.org/project_dissertation.pdf

BioRuby paper link : http://bioinformatics.oxfordjournals.org/content/26/20/2617.abstract

Address of the bookmark: http://www.codeschool.com/paths/ruby

Address of the bookmark: http://www.vital-it.ch/

More at http://www.r2d3.us/visual-intro-to-machine-learning-part-1/

Address of the bookmark: http://www.r2d3.us/visual-intro-to-machine-learning-part-1/

install and load required packages

  require(RColorBrewer)
  require(ComplexHeatmap)
  require(circlize)
  require(digest)
  require(cluster)

If all load successfully, proceed to Part 3. Otherwise, go through the following code chunks in order to ensure that each package is installed and loaded properly.

BiocManager (Morgan (2019))

Address of the bookmark: https://github.com/kevinblighe/E-MTAB-6141