WP,pg1: Labs Turn DNA Into Personal Health Forecasts

[DeepModem Mom]

Labs Turn DNA Into Personal Health Forecasts

By Ariana Eunjung Cha
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 7, 2005; Page A01


SEATTLE -- The boxes arrive in the mail by the dozens each day and are stacked in neat rows in the laboratory. Inside are swabs of the inside cheek, drops of blood, material that the senders hope will give them a peek at the life they have been dealt by their genes.

Over the next few weeks, Genelex Corp. technician Dascena Vincent and her colleagues here will conduct what they call a nutritional genetic assessment, analyzing the DNA samples for certain deficiencies. Problems in the genes that handle dietary fats? That could put you at risk for heart disease. Trouble with those that help rid your body of toxins like smoke? Cancer could be an issue later in life. And how about those associated with metabolizing vitamin D? Be watchful for signs of deteriorating bone strength.

Based on the findings, the company provides recommendations on diet, lifestyle changes and categories of medications that might work best for an individual. Depending on how many tests the customer has ordered, the bill -- which typically isn't covered by insurance -- could be $400 or more.

Companies such as Genelex are pushing medical science into territory that was once the realm of gods and horoscope writers. They are making predictions about what someone's health might be in five, 10, 20 or more years. Other testing facilities around the country offer genetic assessments of what they claim is people's future propensity towards diabetes, liver disease, blood clots, dementia -- even alcoholism and gambling....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32639-2005Apr6.html

[Mnemosyne]

1. This is the insurance industry's wettest dream

pre-screened clients. One "mistake" and the info gets accidentally released to them and several generations may never be insured if the right legislation can be passed. And the people paid it out of pocket. Convenient.

And we know what a difficult time the corporations have had in this administration!

Thanks mom.

[rodeodance]

4. people being forced to have these tests for employment is the next

step. Make no mistake,

[Mnemosyne]

5. Afraid you are right rodeo,

bad enough there's drug testing for minimum wage jobs, ridiculous. They are starting to run credit checks also around here. What about the poor people that were screwed in a divorce as I was? He totaled my AAA+ credit. If a job depended on it, I'd be sol.

Total control of all aspects of our lives. It looks very bleak, but I keep hoping for Superman to come to the rescue!!!

[Bonobo]

2. GATTACA

[Richard Steele]

3. "Better Eugenics, through Finance!"

Nah, "GATTACA" has a better ring to it.

Kick.