The medical genetics of Jews is the study, screening, and treatment of genetic disorders more common in particular Jewish populations than in the population as a whole.[1] The genetics of Ashkenazi Jews have been particularly well-studied, resulting in the discovery of many genetic disorders associated with this ethnic group. In contrast, the medical genetics of Sephardic Jews and Oriental Jews are more complicated, since they are more genetically diverse and consequently no genetic disorders are more common in these groups as a whole; instead, they tend to have the genetic diseases common in their various countries of origin.[1][2] Several organizations, such as Dor Yeshorim,[3] offer screening for Ashkenazi genetic diseases, and these screening programs have had a significant impact, in particular by reducing the number of cases of TaySachs disease.[4] Different ethnic groups tend to suffer from different rates of hereditary diseases, with some being more common, and some less common. Hereditary diseases, particularly hemophilia, were recognized early in Jewish history, even being described in the Talmud.[5] However, the scientific study of hereditary disease in Jewish populations was initially hindered by the shadow of the racially selective ideas of eugenics and "racial hygiene", which tried to describe various ethnic groups … Continue reading →

The Department of NanoMedicine and Biomedical Engineering is focused on inter-disciplinary research combining NanoMedicine, Biomedical Engineering and computational sciences to develop novel therapeutic and diagnostic platforms for combating diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and infectious diseases. In partnership with UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, a number of major initiatives are being brought together in the South Campus CABIR research building, including a new multi-institutional NCI Center on NanoMedicine and a GE, UTHealth and UTMDACC partnership to create a new, state-of-the-art imaging center. A NanoMedicine and Biomedical Engineering Scholarly Concentration is designed to offer the student the opportunity to learn emerging new technologies in biomedical nanotechnology and engineering. A series of cross-appointments with faculty in other departments, divisions, and units and adjunct appointments with faculty in other collaborating institutions through The Alliance for NanoHealth and other Texas Medical Center institutions are utilized to enhance multidisciplinary research and expand the available opportunities for the training and teaching of students. Several ongoing research projects include: Excerpt from: The Department of NanoMedicine and BioMedical Engineering … Continue reading →