Interview Questions for Mike Snyder
- Can you describe a project or experience where you integrated data from wearables with multi-omics data? What were the main challenges you faced, and how did you address them?
We have several projects running right now where we are integrating smartwatch data, omics data and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data to better manage glucose levels. The study predicts which features, omics (including microbiome), and physical activity to better manage people’s glucose levels. It not only helps tell people what to do, but when to do them. For example, people who are insulin resistance get better benefit (in terms of glucose levels) from exercise in the morning whereas those that are insulin sensitive get more benefit from exercise in the afternoon.
- How do you foresee the integration of wearable data and genomic information shaping the future of treatment plans in clinical settings? What are the potential challenges and benefits of implementing such personalized treatment strategies?
It will not just be the integration of wearable data will genomics data—it will be wearable data with all kinds of other data including omics, clinical and lifestyle data. The wearable data is ideal for tracking physiology in real time and combining this with genomics and biochemical data gives a much more complete picture of what is occurring. In our initial deep profiling study of 109 volunteers we found 49 major health discoveries (and minor ones as well) from the combination of all of these data types (Rose et al, 2019).
- What are the key ethical considerations that must be addressed when designing and implementing studies or interventions that utilize wearable technologies and multi-omics data?
We certainly want to be as inclusive as possible and make sure all individuals can benefit from these technologies. Indeed, one nice thing about wearables is they can be used in remote settings and they are relatively inexpensive. Moreover, algorithms can be trained on extensive data from the individual so, in principle, everyone can benefit from personalized health monitoring.
As predictive capabilities of wearable and multi-omics data evolve, how should healthcare providers manage the ethical dilemma of predicting and disclosing potential future health conditions to individuals and their families?
I think the individual should be in control of what information is relayed back to them. That is to say they work with their physician to determine if they want to know both actionable information (e.g. BRCA status) as well as nonactionable information (e.g. Huntington’s status). I think most wearable data is actionable. The individual works with their family to decide what other members might want to know. In general, the omics and wearable information can be used for improving the health of individuals and early detection of disease.
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