Image via Wikipedia

In the first video human genome pioneer Dr. Francis Collins speaks with Reuters Health and Science Editor, Maggie Fox.

Dr. Collins shares how sequencing his own DNA revealed his vulnerability to diabetes and let to several fundamental changes in his personal life choices. Consequently, over the course of a year, Dr. Collins began watching his diet and started an exercise routine which in turn led to him losing 25 pounds of body weight and improved physical well being.

Ultimately, the goal of DNA testing is that preventive measures can leave the realm of general advice and be completely personalized with respect to the individual’s genetic predispositions to developing certain diseases.

The second video is a part of an interview with leading genome researcher Dr. Eric Green. Dr. Green shares his hopes that tailored genomic medicine will be a reality within 10 years, not only in the realm of prevention but also in the realm of actual treatment. The idea is that both medical procedure and drugs will be highly customized to the particular individual’s DNA and in this way will have the greatest probability for overall success.

Genetic testing for a number of diseases is already a fact.

The question is:

Would you really like to find out if you carry the gene for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or any other debilitating disease?

Why? or, Why not?

How would such knowledge change your life today?

Related articles by Zemanta

• Complete Genomics Secures New Customers, 500+ Orders for Whole Genome Sequences (singularityhub.com)
• The deep roots of genetic disorders uncovered (newscientist.com)
• Human-Neanderthal Hookups Left a Bit of Caveman in Many of Us (businessweek.com)

Tagged as: DNA, Eric Green, Francis Collins, Genetics, Genome, Human genome