Dr. Marco Merra Updates on Genomes

Thanks to Jack and his program committee for today's excellent speaker, Dr. Marco Merra, who is head of the genome sciences department at the BC Cancer Agency's research centre at UBC. Funding from the annual Terry Fox run helps support this research. In introducing Dr Merra, Van covered a portion of his resume outlining some of his many accomplishments and awards.

Dr. Merra provided insight into this very complex topic. Recently a major breakthrough in testing was developed at this lab. Technology is reducing costs and increasing available information.

My grasp of the topic: Human beings have million of cells, each cell consists of millions of parts creating billions of possibilities. We all have different DNA making trillions of options. This means two of us could have the same type of cancer but treatment considering the above needs to be tailored specifically to us.

Needless to say, I found it hard to follow. I am thankful people of his caliber are looking for ways to improve treatment and hopefully find a cure for this disease that affects so many of our families and friends.