This book explores implicit choices made by researchers, policy makers, and funders regarding who benefits from society's investment in health research. The authors focus specifically on genetic research and examine whether such research tends to reduce or exacerbate existing health disparities. Using case examples to illustrate the issues, the authors trace the path of genetics research from discovery, through development and delivery, to health outcomes. Topics include breast cancer screening and treatment, autism research, pharmacogenetics, prenatal testing, newborn screening, and youth suicide prevention. Each chapter emphasizes the societal context of genetic research and illustrates how science might change if attention were paid to the needs of marginalized populations. Written by experts in genetics, health, and philosophy, this book argues that the scientific enterprise has a responsibility to respond to community needs to assure that research innovations achieve much needed health impacts.

East Berlin - 1961 For nine-year-old Christel Meyer, East Berlin was a safe place to grow up, until now. A week ago, her best friend Heidi had stopped attending school; where was she? and why had her family disappeared? At eighteen and with a broken heart, life isn't easy, especially when the State Security Police are watching your every move. Christel was now only too aware of the brutal regime that ran her country: 'THE GDR'. Trapped in an ever-demanding marriage, telling a white lie or an untruth keeps the peace; or so she thought. With her life in danger and time running out, Christel must not only uphold the promise she made to her father, she must also find the courage; the courage to escape from the darkness which has forcefully been put upon her.