Future guesses through genetic genes

The trend of reading DNA to predict disease is increasingly common in the West, despite negative warning regarding this area.

Elderly, Raymond McCauley may be blind, namely the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). You can know this fuzzy prospect when reading the genetic code analysis results, according to the BBC. As the head of the Department of Biotechnology at Singularity University (USA), McCauley admits the first feeling when hearing this is like "thunderbolt in the ear" , because none of the family has ever had AMD. 'However, as a scientist, I studied materials and knew I could do something to change this destiny, such as vitamin supplements, to a good eye exam specialist,' he said. know. It can be said for McCauley, the advance of information is more likely to prevent this incurable disease.

More and more private companies are offering DNA reading services to customers, similar to computer cryptography, allowing people to see through the future through a genetic lens. The most famous case recently is that the Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie decided to cut her breasts after the results of genetic analysis predict the risk of developing breast cancer up to 85%. Despite much controversy, the proponents of the tendency to analyze genetic genes suggest that people should know what will be waiting for them in the future, not at the time when the doctor fooled the patient even if he was diagnosed. guess cancer in the 1970s. The total scientific community has lost 12 years and 3 billion dollars to decode the genetic gene of humans, ie code in DNA. However, in recent years, the cost and speed of decoding have decreased rapidly, and now only $ 2,000 is available for reading DNA from blood samples. For $ 100, you can send saliva samples and information about the effects of genes on hundreds of related conditions.

Experts warn of the 'Gattaca scenario' when humans are classified according to genetic genes - (Photo: Jersey Films)

McCauley predicts that in the near future, parents will receive genetic analysis next to birth certificates, which will allow future health predictions and avoid using drugs. not suitable for your physical condition. However, the existence of this kind of information could have originated the so-called "Gattaca scenario ," a sci-fi film that depicts a future society divided into classes based on genes. genetic. 'Can we at the same time know the talent or limit through genes, or social, intellectual or other aspects? What a horrifying scenario. How can we handle all issues as a society? 'Mr. McCauley raised the question.

It is clear that authorities in the country do not know how to coordinate the field accordingly, when the need to provide personal genetic information is increasing over time. For example, last month the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned 23andme Company, based in Silicon Valley, to conduct saliva tests until it provided good evidence for see the results they give are correct. The problem is that raw genetic information is difficult to translate into concrete results, and FDA found that customers often mistakenly believe that the information they receive is actually diagnosed with a formal illness, from which There are extreme steps, such as the case of Angelina Jolie, a woman who cuts her entire chest and proceeds to cut her ovaries due to the risk of ovarian cancer by 50%. As a result, many women have fled to idols, decided to 'go out before the post- war ' , although not everyone is classified as high risk.

It can be said that the era of personal genetic information is still in its infancy, and needs to be supplemented and adapted to become a positive tool for human health.