Molecular medicine: hunting for genes in computer data bases

Article Abstract:

Searching computer data-bases for similar DNA sequences has become a vital tool in understanding how certain genes cause diseases. Various data-bases contain thousands of DNA sequences for genes from different species. When researchers identify a DNA sequence linked to a disease, they may search these data-bases for other DNA sequences that are similar. One information source, the National Center for Biotechnology Information's GenBank, processes about 10,000 such searches each day. The matched genes may shed light on the mechanism by which the newly identified gene causes the disease. Many genes that cause human disease have been found to resemble yeast genes that control DNA repair and cell growth. The discovery of such a similarity led to an understanding of a type of colon cancer and the neurologic disease ataxia-telangiectasia. Gene matching via computer data-bases may reveal connections between scientific discoveries, connections that may never have been considered.

Information management, Chromosome mapping

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Role models - guiding the future of medicine

Article Abstract:

The results of a 1998 study indicated that less than half of all doctors in teaching positions are considered good role models by residents. Characteristics of a good role model included emphasizing the doctor-patient relationship, teaching students about the psychosocial aspects of medicine and providing feedback. However, many of the residents surveyed in the study may be unaware of other characteristics of a good role model. In addition, the residents may have focused on doctors who spend most of their time teaching and caring for patients because that is what most residents do.

Editorial, Practice, Physicians, Medical professions, Surveys, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Residents (Medicine), Role models

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Shattuck Lecture: medicine and the media

Article Abstract:

Dr. Timothy Johnson discusses his views of medical journalism after 28 years in the business. Johnson became the medical editor at ABC News in 1984. Consumer surveys show that medical news is of great interest to most people. Television, magazines and newspapers are used as sources of health information by a large percentage of people. About half say their doctor is willing to discuss health stories in the media and 45% say this interaction has improved their relationship with their doctor.

Personal narratives, Medicine, Media coverage, Journalism, Medical, Medical journalism

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