TalkNewsweek Talks About Genetic Testing
Are you generally curious about genetic testing? I highly recommend reading “Peering Into the Future“, which ran in the latest issue of Newsweek.
Genetic testing is transforming medicine—and the way families think about their health. As science unlocks the intricate secrets of DNA, we face difficult choices and new challenges.
You name it, this article covers it: the $1000 genome, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis to prevent passing on serious genetic diseases to children, Huntington’s disease, the development of early-onset Alzheimer’s gene testing (could be as early as 5 years down the road, says the expert quoted), buyer beware warnings about internet companies that sell dubious genetic tests and product “solutions” such as vitamins — and more. The families interviewed put a very personal lens on issues that too often fall prey to high-minded discussion.
Personally, it makes me happy to see a thoughtful, even-handed discussion about the current (and near-future) state of genetic testing that isn’t sensationalistic, scare-mongering, or science fiction.
Technorati Tags: genetic testing, 00 genome, pgd, huntington’s disease, alzheimer’s disease, nutrigenomics
