Future of DNA Testing the Research Proposal

Total Length: 2054 words ( 7 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 10

Page 1 of 7

The scientists ran the DNA computer only in a test tube. They foresaw the need for an injectable version for intracellular activities, which could take decades to devise.7

In response to the fear of nonscale robots going around inside the body, the scientists said they placed safeguards into their systems.7 When more reliable DNA computers are invented with fewer mistakes, people could become more comfortable with injectable robots and accept them, the scientists said.7

A Milestone in Dental Science

OralDNA Labs, Inc., a specialty diagnostics company, provides science-based

Diagnosticand prognostic lab tests to target periodontal disease.8 Periodontal disease afflicts a quarter of the adult U.S. population. Neglect does not only result in serious gum disease and tooth loss. It has also been linked with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The company introduced MyPerioPathsm and MyPerioIDsm DNA tests. MyPerioPathsm identifies the presence of bacteria. MyPerioIDsm determines susceptibility to periodontal disease. The combination of these two tests presents a systematic way of detecting and treating periodontal disease, both productively and proactively dealing with it.8

A DNA Database for Healthcare

The British Government would store the DNA of all babies to be born in a national

Databank to tailor health care after their needs, as their genes would reveal.9 It asked the Human Genetics Commission to look into the feasibility of performing this task. Funds would be provided for gene therapy and to promote pharmacogenetics, which would tailor drugs to suit people's genetic make-up. Tony Blair, a White Paper, said that the more they understood the human genome, the greater its impact on their lives and health care would be. He, however, assured the public that DNA testing would not be allowed without their consent to prevent unfair discrimination.
9

Genetic Discrimination, a Downside

This happens when people are treated differently because of undesirable genes, as revealed by their DNA information.10 Breast cancer, Huntington's disease and mental retardation in offspring are often the targets of job discrimination, denial of health coverage and increased health insurance premiums. At present, no law bars the practice for hiring, firing or setting the terms for health insurance.10

Summary

DNA science has gone a long way from Dr. Watson's discovery of the double helix in 1953. DNA testing today points to the culprit in criminal investigations with uncontestable accuracy. It promises similarly accurate detection and treatment of virtually every disease. But along with endless probabilities of cures loom possibilities of abuse, such as genetic discrimination. The best minds must come together in tackling both the exciting benefits of this wonder and the adverse consequences that go with it.#

REFERENCES

1. Saad R. Discovery, development and current applications of DNA identity testing. Baylor University Center. April 2005

2. Connor S. Let us rid society of genetic defects, says DNA pioneer. The (London) Independent. April 16, 2001

3. Eakins P. Strides foreseen in genetic research. Topeka Capital-Journal. May 6, 2000

4. Pw. Designer kids, super-athletes and genomic cures. Whole Earth. Summer 2000

5. Holmgren, J and Winterdyk, J. DNA evidence: balancing the scales of justice. Law Now. October-November 2001

6. Chemistry and Industry. DNA test could beat suspects by a hair. Society of Chemical Industry. November 19, 2001

7. Goho A. Injectable medibots: programmable DNA could diagnose and treat cancer. Science News. May 4, 2004

8. Walker RP. Dental….....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Future Of DNA Testing The" (2009, April 15) Retrieved May 17, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/future-dna-testing-22935

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Future Of DNA Testing The" 15 April 2009. Web.17 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/future-dna-testing-22935>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Future Of DNA Testing The", 15 April 2009, Accessed.17 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/future-dna-testing-22935