Weighing Risks Written in DNA

Title of Article: Weighing Risks Written in DNA
Author: Christine Soares
Source: Scientific American Body
Date Published: December 2007
Date Obtained: February 22 2009

Weighing Risks Written in DNA pertains to the Molecular Genetics Unit of Study


Link to the Article: http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=weighing-risks-written-in-dna

Summary of the Article:

Weighing Risks Written in DNA is an article about the Multiplex Initiative; a large scale study created to investigate people's reactions when provided with their very own genetic "report card". This study was created by the National Human Genome Research Institute, and their genetic "report card" consists of several gene variations that increase the subject's risk of being afflicted by major diseases. The purpose of the study is to see how people will react when they find out which diseases they are genetically predisposed to, and to see if they will act on the results by changing their lifestyle. The study consists of ten thousand potential participants who will be screened for fifteen genes associated with osteoporosis, lung and colorectal cancer, coronary artery disease, and melanoma. Another of the Institute's many concerns is whether or not the public will understand the results, as they can be very intimidating for the average person. By conducting this trial, researchers hope to find the best way of communicating this information to their subjects.

Before reading this article, I was under the impression that this service already existed. I had always thought that genetic information was ready for use by consumers, and not in the process of trials and studies. In reading this article, I learned that even though human DNA has been analyzed and mapped for years, it is not yet available for consumer use. The moral dilemma surrounding the use of this genetic information is whether or not consumers want to see the future, and what will ultimately lead to their demise. Some people believe that it is not our place to look into the future, and that life is meant to be a surprise, while others believe that if we know what diseases we are susceptible to, we can do all that we can to avoid and delay their onset. Personally, I believe that this information should be available to the public, and it is up to each individual to choose whether or not he or she will use it.