DNA Diagnostic Testing

dna diagnostic testing fingerprint

DNA diagnostics is the field of medical testing and studies that allows you to determine a disease diagnosis or susceptibility to a condition for a patient or their family members. A DNA diagnostic test could provide valuable information to those with conditions such as cancer, diabetes and asthma, or at risk for these diseases.   Using years of research, your family medical history, and DNA... Read more >

DNA Samples

dna samples closeup helix

Your DNA is your genetic fingerprint, and a reliable way to uniquely identify one person against another. Your DNA is identified by collecting a sample and performing various types of tests. How DNA is then tested depends largely on the purpose of the DNA analysis. DNA testing has been especially important in law enforcement and identifying criminals. In the United States, more than 160 people have... Read more >

Inherited Conditions

GNH inherited conditions diseases x chromosome

Human bodies are made up of trillions of cells. Each of these cells has a nucleus that accommodates chromosomes, which are made up of DNA. Segments of DNA make up genes, and these determine physical traits such as height or eye color.   Alterations in DNA cause gene mutations. Mutations can lead to diseases, and these mutations are passed from parent to child just like physical traits. Mutations can be... Read more >

Genetic Changes

genetic changes dna strand

Every human being is made up of trillions of cells. A cell's nucleus accommodates chromosomes, which are made up of a nucleic acid called DNA. Segments of DNA make up genes.   When the DNA sequence in a gene undergoes a permanent change, a genetic mutation occurs. These mutations can vary in size from a single DNA base to a substantial part of a chromosome. How Genetic Mutations Occur Human genetic... Read more >

Pros and Cons

genetic testing pros and cons dna sample

Genetic testing may be beneficial in determining whether or not you have a disease or are likely to develop a disease over the course of your life. By examining your DNA, geneticists can look at variations in DNA sequences called genetic markers that indicate a person's predisposition to developing an inherited disease that may run in their family. Geneticists may be able to see how likely you are to develop... Read more >

Genetic Markers

genetic markers dna southern blot chart

By looking at your complete genetic code, geneticists can identify slight variations, known as genetic markers. By studying these genetic markers, scientists have found links between certain genetic traits and particular inherited diseases or conditions.   Genetic markers provide valuable information and can also be used in genetic engineering, which allows defective DNA sequences to be replaced with... Read more >

Genetic Testing

genetic testing dna biosample equipment

Genetic testing has become a common way to identify a person's chances of inheriting or developing a particular disease later in life. As many as 900 different kinds of DNA tests are available to help individuals prevent and receive treatment before the development of a disease. You can receive DNA genetic testing at any time of your life. If you are thinking of having children someday, you can even receive this... Read more >

Privacy and Health

genetic health privacy doctor with report

Would you undergo a genetic DNA test that might save your life if it meant losing your job?   With the growing recognition and popularity of genetic testing as a way to stave off disease, new worries have sprung up about the possibility of employers and insurance companies using genetic profiling as a discriminatory tool. The Importance of Health Information Privacy Say for example, that both your mother... Read more >

Risks and Limitations

genetic testing risks computerized diagnosis

Research has shown that a genetic pre-disposition exists for many diseases. With the identification of specific genes including disease related alleles, over 1,100 genetic tests have become available through commercial laboratories. Here are just a few of the many diseases which are genetically determined or have genetic risk factors: Alzheimer's disease Down syndrome Huntington's disease schizophrenia... Read more >

Disease Risk Profiling

disease risk profiling parkinson disease gene

Scientists have discovered that some diseases are caused by specific faulty genes and that many others have a genetic risk factor. Genetic risk factors exist for conditions such as: Alzheimer's disease heart disease Parkinson's disease schizophrenia some forms of cancer. Inherited genetic diseases such as Huntington disease and sickle cell anemia can now be identified at the DNA level before any... Read more >

Athletic Ability

athletic ability woman with tennis racket

Athletic ability often appears to run in families. Some children seem to be born athletes while others do not perform well. New genetic research supports these observations, and has shown that there truly are athletic genes. Body Type and Athletic Ability Basic body type is something that is determined genetically. Studies have shown that different body types are associated with ability to perform in various... Read more >

Addiction Risk

addiction risk profiling woman with cigarette

Addiction is a complicated problem that often seems to run in families. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that children of alcoholics are four times as likely as other children to become alcoholics themselves. While many factors influence addiction, research suggests that certain genes are associated with an increased risk of addiction. Twins and the Risk of Addiction A Swedish study... Read more >

Child Development

child development boy soccer player

Many childhood health disorders are either completely genetic, or are caused in part by genes. All parents want their children to have full and happy lives and this can be challenged by conditions affecting learning ability. Understanding genetics' effect on child development can help parents give their children the best possible opportunities. When it comes to parent-child gene inheritance, genetic disorders... Read more >