Exposed: The DNA Dilemma - Would you bare your genetic soul for the good of society?

Canada Our Time to Lead Ongoing Globe and Mail series explores the potential risks and rewards of genome mapping

Exposed: The DNA Dilemma in print and online at ourtimetolead.ca

TORONTO, Dec. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - On Saturday, December 8, 2012, The Globe and Mail will introduce Exposed: The DNA Dilemma, a two week series exploring the potential of genome sequencing to answer the questions: should you share your DNA? Should you give scientists the opportunity to explore and decode your personal genetic make-up? The series introduces commentary and insights shaped by scientists, medical leaders and Canadians who have debated sharing their DNA or participated in genome mapping. The Globe explores the opportunities and risks of genome sequencing, including the disappointments of the genetic revolution so far as well as the successes. Exposed: The DNA Dilemma is the latest theme to be explored by The Globe's editorial series, Canada: Our Time to Lead (www.ourtimetolead.ca).

"Our Time to Lead continues to stimulate conversation and debate, and in this series, The DNA Dilemma, we're asking Canadians to weigh in on the risks and potential rewards of DNA mapping and how that might change their future," said John Stackhouse, Editor-in-Chief of The Globe and Mail. "We've brought this series to life through personal stories, online debates and medical and scientific insight. Over the next two weeks, we'll help Canadians understand the impact and opportunities of sharing their DNA - for their benefit, and for that of the larger good."

The Globe and Mail will present how Canada compares to global genome-mapping giants like China. The Globe will also look at why companies such as Visa and Google want your DNA, and give readers the opportunity to weigh in on the debate of whether babies and kids should be screened. Medical Reporter Carolyn Abraham explores genetic discrimination - the danger of knowing too much about a person's DNA, and making decisions based on the DNA knowledge. Abraham examines the concerns of veering down this path, particularly by insurers and employers who could benefit from knowing an individual's predisposition toward any number of medical conditions, from vision loss to cardiac arrest and cancer.

Exposed: The DNA Dilemma is supported by a number of interactive features and online debates at ourtimetolead.ca, including:

• Digital mosaic of influential experts and Canadians who are sharing their DNA
• Online polling to simply ask readers: Would you share your genetic code?
• Video interviews with Canadians who have had their DNA sequenced
• Online debate questions to determine where readers sit on key ethical questions; and
• An online card game that deals players a random set of genes and shows readers the probable consequences of their genetic markers.

About The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail, through its newspaper, magazine, online and mobile platforms, is Canada's foremost news media company. Each day, The Globe leads the national discussion by engaging Canadians in its award-winning coverage and analysis of news, politics, business and lifestyle. The Globe and Mail, Canada's national newspaper, founded in 1844, Report on Business, Canada's most influential business magazine, and globeandmail.com, the newspaper's online and mobile media hub, reach a combined 6.0 million readers every month. The Globe has received numerous journalism awards, including the international prize for General Excellence in Journalism from the Online News Associations in 2011, nine Michener Awards for Public Service Journalism, and more National Newspaper Awards than any other newspaper in Canada. The Globe and Mail is 85% owned by Woodbridge, the investment arm of the Thomson family, and Bell Canada (15%).

SOURCE: Globe and Mail

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