How Should Scientists' Access To Health Databanks Be Managed?
"More than a million Americans have donated genetic information and medical data
for research projects. But how that information gets used varies a lot, depending on the philosophy of the organizations that have gathered the data."
"Some hold the data close, while others are working to make the data as widely available to as many researchers as possible — figuring science will progress faster that way. But scientific openness can be constrained by both practical and commercial considerations."
"Three major projects in the United States illustrate these differing philosophies."
"VA scientists spearhead research on veterans database."
"The first project involves three-quarters of a million veterans, mostly men over age 60. Every day, 400 to 500 blood samples show up in a modern lab in the basement of the Veterans Affairs hospital in Boston. Luis Selva, the center's associate director, explains that robots extract DNA from the samples and then the genetic material is sent out for analysis."
"The blood samples themselves end up in gigantic, automated freezers for future use — one in Boston and a backup facility at a VA location in Albuquerque, N.M."