Useful Links

Genetics databases
Aids to learning genetics
Professional organisations and careers in genetics
Ethical issues
Genetic policy information
Information for patients about genetic diseases

Genetics Databases

OMIM – On-line Mendelian Inheritance in Man.
This is a catalogue of all Mendelian disorders in humans, instigated by Dr Victor McKusick, Johns Hopkins Hospital.
http://www.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk/omim

GeneCards
GeneCards is a database of human genes, their products and their involvement in diseases. It offers concise information about the functions of all human genes.
http://bioinformatics.weizmann.ac.il/cards/

GeneTests
GeneTests is a medical genetics information resource. The GeneReviews section provides reviews which describe the application of genetic testing to the diagnosis, management and genetic counselling of individuals and families with specific inherited disorders.
http://www.geneclinics.org/

Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD)
The Human Gene Mutation Database is a comprehensive reference source of the various types of mutation reported to cause inherited disease within the coding regions of human nuclear genes.
http://archive.uwcm.ac.uk/uwcm/mg/hgmd0.html

Public Health Genetics Unit
The Public Health Genetics Unit provides news and information about advances in genetics and their impact on public health and the prevention of disease. Its information database has reports, summaries, literature references and other information about the genetic basis of disease, genetic testing and screening, policy development for genetic services, and the ethical issues surrounding the new genetics.
http://www.phgu.org.uk/

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Aids to Learning Genetics

DNA from the Beginning
This is an online learning text, organized around key concepts of classical genetics, molecules of genetics and genetic organisation and control. The science behind each concept is explained by animation, images, video interviews, problems, biographies and external links.
http://vector.cshl.org/dnaftb/

Clinical Genetics: A Self Study for Health Care Providers.
This self study guide from the United States has two sections: the first consists of four lessons designed to increase knowledge about genetics and assist in your identifying families for genetic referral. The second section covers reasons for referral, a glossary, a list of resources, and educational tools to use when working with patients and their families.
http://www.vh.org/Providers/Textbooks/ClinicalGenetics/Contents.html

US National Center for Biotechnology Information
This site provides information about human genome sequencing.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genome/seq/HsHome.shtml

Time magazine
Time magazine produced an interesting issue (January 11th 1999) which debated the Human Genome Project, patents, genetic screening, insurance, crime, designer babies and future treatments of genetic disorders.
http://www.time.com/time/archive/preview/from_search/0,10987,1101990111-17688,00.html

Human Genome Project (HGP)
The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, was an international research effort to characterize the genomes of human and selected model organisms, to develop technologies for genomic analysis, to examine the ethical, legal, and social implications of human genetics research, and to train scientists to pursue biological studies that will improve human health.
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/home.shtml

Blazing a Genetic Trail
This online publication (from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute) provides information on how genetic research is helping to cure disease, including personal stories, Human Genome Project information and a guide to basic genetics.
http://www.hhmi.org/genetictrail/

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Professional Organisations and Careers in Genetics

British Society for Human Genetics (BSHG)
BSHG is the UK's professional society for clinical and research medical geneticists. The website has details of conferences and training courses, policy statements on genetic testing of children and on patents, a list of UK genetics centres, and links to other sites. If you are interested in a career in medical genetics, think about joining the BSHG.
http://www.bshg.org.uk

What is the Role of a Clinical Geneticist?
The Clinical Genetics Society has defined the role of a clinical geneticist.
http://www.bshg.org.uk/Official%20Docs/clingenrole.htm

Postgraduate Medical Training in Clinical Genetics?
If you are interested in finding out about the postgraduate training programme to become a clinical geneticist, visit the Joint Committee on Higher Medical Training Curriculum site
http://www.jchmt.org.uk/clingen/index.asp

Association of Genetic Nurses and Counsellors (AGNC)
Information about training and working as a genetic counsellor.
http://www.agnc.org.uk/

European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG)
ESHG is an international professional society which promotes research in basic and applied human and medical genetics and facilitates contact between all who share these aims. It organises the annual European Human Genetics Conference, publishes the prestigious European Journal of Human Genetics, and has an active Public and Professional Policy Committee which has recently issued statements on Genetic Screening, Genetics and Insurance, DNA banking and Genetic Services in Europe.
http://www.eshg.org

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Ethical Issues

Your Genes, Your Choices: Exploring the Issues Raised by Genetic Research
This resource describes the Human Genome Project, the science behind it and the ethical, legal and social issues that it raises.
http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis/publicat/genechoice/index.html

Nuffield Council on Bioethics
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is an independent body established by the Trustees of the Nuffield Foundation in 1991 to consider the ethical issues arising from developments in medicine and biology. Several genetic topics have been investigated, including the ethics of research into genetics and human behaviour and the ethical issues of genetic screening.
http://www.nuffield.org/bioethics/index.html

Genetic Policy Information

UK: Human Genetics Commission
The Human Genetics Commission is the UK Government's advisory body on how new developments in human genetics will impact on people and on health care. Its remit is to give Ministers strategic advice on the "big picture" of human genetics, with a particular focus on social and ethical issues.
http://www.hgc.gov.uk/

International: Centre for Public Law Research at the University of Montreal
The HumGen site aims to provide information on a wide range of legislation, policy, guidelines and recommendations of government and non-government organisations worldwide.
http://www.humgen.umontreal.ca/intro.htm

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Information for Patients about Genetic Diseases

Contact-a-Family
The umbrella group listing many UK patient support groups
http://www.cafamily.org.uk/

Genetic Interest Group
The Genetic Interest Group (GIG) is a national alliance of organisations with a membership of over 120 charities which support children, families and individuals affected by genetic disorders / genetic diseases.
http://www.gig.org.uk/

This page was last modified on Thu Oct 01 2009