Panel to discuss medical, legal issues of collecting DNA samples for family history

A panel of medical researchers and lawyers will discuss implications of collecting DNA samples from individuals to be used as a source of family history (WRHS) from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m March 16 at the Western Reserve Historical Society in University Circle. Registration opens at 8:45 a.m.

CWRU and the Western Reserve Historical Society's Genealogical Committee will sponsor "New Frontier: DNA links to Genealogy," which will examine the feasibility of establishing a DNA library for family history.

Among the topics covered will be the potential benefits of collecting DNA samples for families as well as for the general public, how difficult it would be to obtain and house this information, what legal documents would have to be developed to protect families against the inappropriate use of this information and how families can benefit.

John Grabowski, Krieger-Mueller Associate Professor of Applied History at CWRU and director of research at WRHS, will moderate the discussion to include Duncan Neuhauser, Robert C. Elston and Sara Buxbaum, all from the CWRU School of Medicine's Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Sharona Hoffman, a professor at the CWRU School of Law.

Because of limited seating, an advanced registration fee of $15 is required. For details, call 440-442-1689 or 440-257-9245.

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