Blogging time has been pretty scarce for me lately, mainly due to the impending submission of the 1000 Genomes Project pilot paper (more on my involvement in that project later). Sadly, personal genomics has not done me the favour of sitting still while I'm busy. Here are some of the more interesting recent bits and pieces from the personal genomosphere:

This post might put me at odds with much of the science bloggysphere, but I think a lot of the concern over congressional and FDA hearings over whether 'over-the-counter' genetic screening and genome sequencing should be regulated is overblown. Maybe my feelings are influenced by my concerns about the misuse of antibiotics--in the case of cefquinome, the FDA did the right thing (and I only wish they had acted sooner).

Boehringer Ingelheim's flibanserin failed to meet the agreed-upon criteria for showing effectiveness in two company studies, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewers said in a preliminary analysis.

It looks as though the FDA is swooping down on the direct-to-consumer genetic testing industry in a serious way, sending formal letters to five companies informing them that their tests will be regulated as medical devices:

WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration is issuing regulatory letters to five genetic test makers, the first sign that the government is cracking down on companies that claim to use DNA samples to predict inheritable diseases.

My bestest buddy on planet Earth, HIV Denier and snake-oil peddler Lenny Horowitz, finally caught the attention of the FDA for the crap he is selling on his websites (full warning letter below the fold):