Would you like to see your future when you are born? The rapid advancement of molecular biology promises the possibility by the accomplishment of Human Genome Project. Human Genome Project was an international scientific biological research project designed to determine the sequence of chemical base pairs making up DNA and map roughly 20000-25000 genes of human genome. It started in 1990 and was completed in 2006, remaining one of the largest single investigational projects in modern science. Administering the genetic test can help people discover the predisposition to a variety of illness and accordingly take therapy to prevent the diseases. In addition, medicine innovation can be more effective when the functions of base pairs are unveiled because medicine can be designed to target the pairs which express the corresponding disease. Moreover, since the genome of each individual is unique, analysts can do research between the human and related species such as primates to explain the evolutionary theory.
This DNA sequencing technology is currently being used to read hundreds of genome bases that have or haven’t been sequenced. Latest news that hit the headlines read that a company called Complete Genomics has sequenced three human genomes for $4400 in materials. Interestingly, IBM research team also joined and hoped to reduce the cost of genetic testing to $100 per person. The number of followers is increasing.
At this rate of development, it has been widely predicted that the test for whole genome sequencing could be affordable and accurate enough for every newborn in a couple of years.
Undeniably, people will benefit from the astonishing technology which brings the benefit stated above. However, many people concern about the matter of privacy. Because of the low cost of the test, uncertainty of information disclosure and simple access of your genome sequence (a single strand of hair contains DNA and it may fall off wherever you go), disasters may come along. For example, insurance company may not extend insurance to you or employer may not hire you after they find you will be infected by diseases in the future through analyzing your genome test result. It’s horrible to further imagine what will happen. As early as the beginning of the Human Genome Project, the ethical, legal and social issues such as these has been addressed and a large amount of fund has been invested to do this job. To prevent these, it not only requires strict regulations, but also more importantly raises the awareness of the public to make them do the right thing.
Hopefully I believe tomorrow will be better!
This DNA sequencing technology is currently being used to read hundreds of genome bases that have or haven’t been sequenced. Latest news that hit the headlines read that a company called Complete Genomics has sequenced three human genomes for $4400 in materials. Interestingly, IBM research team also joined and hoped to reduce the cost of genetic testing to $100 per person. The number of followers is increasing.
At this rate of development, it has been widely predicted that the test for whole genome sequencing could be affordable and accurate enough for every newborn in a couple of years.
Undeniably, people will benefit from the astonishing technology which brings the benefit stated above. However, many people concern about the matter of privacy. Because of the low cost of the test, uncertainty of information disclosure and simple access of your genome sequence (a single strand of hair contains DNA and it may fall off wherever you go), disasters may come along. For example, insurance company may not extend insurance to you or employer may not hire you after they find you will be infected by diseases in the future through analyzing your genome test result. It’s horrible to further imagine what will happen. As early as the beginning of the Human Genome Project, the ethical, legal and social issues such as these has been addressed and a large amount of fund has been invested to do this job. To prevent these, it not only requires strict regulations, but also more importantly raises the awareness of the public to make them do the right thing.
Hopefully I believe tomorrow will be better!
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