Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Genetic IR Aspects c Genetic research being con ducted with yeast, bread mold, mice, corn and bacteria may sound esoteric to the average person. However, South Carolinians could benefit from such basic genetic findings with better quality foods, improved breeding stocks for farmers and in early detection of human genetic diseases. Understanding how living things become what they are is the goal of increased research efforts in developmental biology, genetics and biochemistry, specialties of several faculty members in the USC Biology Department. Dr. John G. Scandalios, head of the Biology Department since January 1973, is himself a developmental biochemical geneticist and currently the only professor in the department engaged in direct genetic research on humans, amongst other organisms. "Irrespective of the organism, whether yeast or man, the findings can indicate points of genetic regualtion and differential ex pression of genes which can be applied to humans.' As a science, genetics has affected human society more than any other science--from the development of hybrid corn to modern techniques for detecting genetic diseases," said Scandalios. Scandalios wants the efforts of the genetic-related areas to be of service throughout the state and is working to establish a Genetic Screening and Counseling Clinic to be associated with the University. Such a clinic would work with individuals who desire to have their family genetic hisotries taken, necessary tests run, and a determination of any genetic problems which could affect an unborn child made by a committee of cooperating medical doctors and geneticists. "There are so many tests now which can be given to detect possible birth defects. Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down's Syndrome (monolissm) or genetic defects like Tay-Sachs disease and sickle cell anemia, acn be diagnosed early in pregnancy. The Committee of course would not advocate termination of pregnancy. It would simple provide information to guide the physician and the affected in dividuals in making a choice;" he explained. Scandalios, a member of the American Society of Human Genetics, the Council of the American Genetic Association, and the Committee on Social Responsibility for the Soceity for Developmental Biology, said that genetic biologists are becoming more outspoken in discussing abortions, genetic manipulation and developmental birth defects. PHE USC CAMPUS BARBER SHOP "Welcomes You Back" Stop By 1st Floor Russell Hue tesearch A f Modern] "For too long those who were not educated in genetics were making statements in the name of genetics which the public came to accept as true. We are more aware now of our responsibility to share scientific knowledge based on sound, basic genetic research," he said. "Genetics is an integral part of our lives. We want to help - mm dmmm AIongwm thticueIr ofcleg.II scoasiIa macighra godpy,fri Ineete?o atFlnnH ffects All Existence people understand it via sound programs." High school biology teachers and others will be invited to participate in a Genetics Workshop which the Biology Department has been invited to organize under the sponsorship of the South Carolina Branch of the American Cancer Society. and )ne soi n whoenrolls in Air Force RO(i e tuition, lab andl incidental fees, ddition, a tax-free monthly alom lets alike. When she gets her de: ~ilities to a job with rewarding ei n travel, and a 1!reat nlace to built tact Ljt. Col. Fernald 11, Univ. of S.Carolina 7 PUTI IT' AlI, TOG;ETI H ELP WANT ED DAYS AND NIGH TS Apply: BRE 1211 College KING Streetw Wm Vmmm mmmmmm m m neti utI eligbleto c mpee fo anA irFore scolashi n(I eillhtrsellen (O tetbo k5 or h r jst .\ear -:RI IIOR I:R T