Skip to page content

Genetics

Recent breakthroughs in genetics have the potential to significantly improve health outcomes. RAND research examines the impact of genetics on personal and public health, disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Journal Article

BMI Loci and Longitudinal BMI from Adolescence to Young Adulthood in an Ethnically Diverse Cohort

Several established BMI genetic variants are positively associated with change in BMI during the period of adolescence and young adulthood.

Mar 14, 2017
Journal Article

Medical Oncologists' Experiences in Using Genomic Testing for Lung and Colorectal Cancer Care

More research is needed to determine whether the observed variation in genomic testing for lung and colorectal cancer reflects appropriate or inappropriate care.

Mar 13, 2017
Journal Article

The Interaction Between Physical Activity and Obesity Gene Variants in Association with BMI: Does the Obesogenic Environment Matter?

This study of a diverse sample of American adolescents found that neighborhood environmental factors did not appear to influence genetic obesity risk.

Nov 15, 2016
Journal Article

Evidence for Association Between SH2B1 Gene Variants and Glycated Hemoglobin in Nondiabetic European American Young Adults: The Add Health Study

In young adults with European heritage, a blood marker used to classify type 2 diabetes, HbA1c, was found to be significantly associated with two variants of a genetic region involved in metabolic control, SH2B1.

Sep 29, 2016
Report

Population-scale sequencing and the future of genomic medicine: Learning from past and present efforts

This paper reflects on the variety and evolution of population-scale genome-sequencing initiatives, examining their diverse aims, activities, management and governance approaches, impacts, and policy and research implications.

Apr 29, 2016
Journal Article

Effects of Recent Stress and Variation in the Serotonin Transporter Polymorphism (5-Httlpr) on Depressive Symptoms: A Repeated-Measures Study of Adults Age 50 and Older

Depending on genetic sensitivity to it, stress may affect depressive symptomatology differentially.

Feb 29, 2016
Journal Article

OXTR Polymorphism Predicts Social Relationships Through Its Effects on Social Temperament

Humans have a fundamental need for strong interpersonal bonds, yet individuals differ appreciably in their degree of social integration.

Jan 12, 2015
Multimedia

Cognitive Aging, Neuropathology, and Resilience

Session from the 21st Annual RAND Summer Institute, held July 7-11, 2014, in Santa Monica, CA, addressing critical issues facing our aging population.

Sep 8, 2014
Commentary

A New Model for Open Innovation: The Structural Genomics Consortium

Open innovation is often suggested as a solution to enhance productivity in under-performing areas of research. Now, the strengths and weaknesses of a new open innovation model in drug discovery have been evaluated.

Mar 25, 2014
News Release

The Structural Genomics Consortium, an Innovative Open-Access, Public–Private Partnership, Is a Viable Model for Drug ...

The Structural Genomics Consortium is a viable model for drug discovery that appeals to investors, not least for advantages in efficiency over current models of public or commercial health research.

Mar 10, 2014
Report

Structural Genomics Consortium Offers Knowledge Platform for Drug Discovery

An independent evaluation of the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) examined the strengths and weaknesses of its efforts to support drug discovery efforts through a unique, open access model of public-private collaboration.

Mar 10, 2014
Report

The Structural Genomics Consortium: A knowledge platform for drug discovery: A summary

This report summarises the results of an independent evaluation of the Structural Genomics Consortium, an open access model of public-private collaboration, conducted by RAND Europe with the Institute on Governance.

Mar 10, 2014
Journal Article

The Value of Diagnostic Testing in Personalized Medicine

A framework derived from information economics for assessing the value of diagnostics demonstrates that the social value of such diagnostics can be very large, both by avoiding unnecessary treatment and by identifying patients who otherwise would not get treated.

Jun 1, 2013
Journal Article

Effective Communication of Molecular Genetic Test Results

Using a template for molecular genetic test reports, developed to reduce communication errors between the laboratory and ordering clinician, was found to improve physician ratings compared to standard laboratory templates—especially with doctors who were least familiar with the reports.

Dec 6, 2012
Commentary

What Will Change Most About Our Routine Physicals Over the Next Decade?

Don't forget—an American's odds of living a long and healthy life still depend more on his zip code than his genetic code. That won't change until we make healthcare more affordable, writes Dr. Arthur Kellermann.

Aug 31, 2012
Journal Article

A Report Template for Molecular Genetic Tests Designed to Improve Communication Between the Clinician and Laboratory

With input from key stakeholders and building upon prior work, we created a template for molecular genetic test reports designed to improve clinical decision making at the point of care.

Jul 16, 2012
Journal Article

Diagnostics as Essential Tools for Containing Antibacterial Resistance

Appropriate use of existing diagnostic tests for infections, and development of better ones, could reduce overuse of antibacterial drugs.

Apr 1, 2011
Journal Article

Population Prevalence of Familial Cancer and Common Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: The 2005 California Health Interview Survey

We provide population-based prevalence estimates for moderate and strong familial risk for five common cancers and hereditary breast-ovarian cancer and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer.

Nov 1, 2010
Journal Article

Are Electronic Health Records Ready for Genomic Medicine?

The goal of this project was to assess genetic/genomic content in electronic health records.

Jul 1, 2009
Research Brief

Delivery of Genomic Medicine for Common Chronic Adult Diseases

This fact sheet summarizes recommendations for health care workers, consumers, and the scientific community to prepare the health care system for genomic medicine for common chronic diseases.

Apr 2, 2008

Research conducted by