Effectiveness of an online curriculum for medical students on genetics, genetic testing and counseling

Background: It is increasingly important that physicians have a thorough understanding of the basic science of human genetics and the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) associated with genetic testing and counseling. Methods: The authors developed a series of web-based courses for medical students on these topics. The course modules are interactive, emphasize clinical case studies, and can easily be incorporated into existing medical school curricula. Results: Results of a ‘real world’ effectiveness trial indicate that the courses have a statistically significant effect on knowledge, attitude, intended behavior and self-efficacy related to genetic testing (p<0.001; N varies between 163 and 596 for each course). Conclusions: The results indicate that this curriculum is an effective tool for educating medical students on the ELSI associated with genetic testing and for promoting positive changes in students' confidence, counseling attitudes and behaviors

Cell fusion and tissue regeneration

Cell fusion is a natural process implicated in normal development, immune response, tissue formation, and with a prominent role in stem cell plasticity. The discovery that bone marrow stem cells fuse with several cell types, under normal condition or after an injury, introduces new possibilities in regenerative medicine and genetic repair. Cell fusion has been shown to be implicated in regeneration, and the complementation of recessive mutations affecting the liver, brain, muscle, lung and gut, under appropriate conditions. However, we should be cautious and better understand the mechanisms that govern cell fusion during regeneration before to consider it as clinically relevant. In this chapter, we will present the current evidences about the role of cell fusion in tissue regeneration and its future potential as therapy. Cell fusion is an exciting and promising research field. In addition, we will review the challenges that should face the fusion process to become therapeutically effective and safe.M.M-L. is a “Sara Borrell” postdoctoral from Institute Carlos III, Spanish Ministry of Health.Peer Reviewe