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? Thanks to our Patrons Michael Brown, David Rimer, John McKee, Tyler J., Leslie Murray, and Lawrence Harris for supporting us this week. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Get the NEW Cosmic Queries book (5/5 ⭐s on Amazon!): https://amzn.to/3dYIEQF Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: 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! #StarTalk #neildegrassetyson 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