7 In response to the fear of nonscale robots going around inside the body, the scientists said they placed safeguards into their systems.7 When more reliable DNA computers are invented with fewer mistakes, people could become more comfortable with injectable robots and accept them, the scientists said.7

A Milestone in Dental Science

OralDNA Labs, Inc., a specialty diagnostics company, provides science-based

Diagnosticand prognostic lab tests to target periodontal disease.8 Periodontal disease afflicts a quarter of the adult U.S. population. Neglect does not only result in serious gum disease and tooth loss. It has also been linked with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The company introduced MyPerioPathsm and MyPerioIDsm DNA tests. MyPerioPathsm identifies the presence of bacteria. MyPerioIDsm determines susceptibility to periodontal disease. The combination of these two tests presents a systematic way of detecting and treating periodontal disease, both productively and proactively dealing with it.8

A DNA Database for Healthcare

The British Government would store the DNA of all babies to be born in a national

Databank to tailor health care after their needs, as their genes would reveal.9 It asked the Human Genetics Commission to look into the feasibility of performing this task. Funds would be provided for gene therapy and to promote pharmacogenetics, which would tailor drugs to suit people's genetic make-up. Tony Blair, a White Paper, said that the more they understood the human genome, the greater its impact on their lives and health care would be. He, however, assured the public that DNA testing would not be allowed without their consent to prevent unfair discrimination.9

Genetic Discrimination, a Downside

This happens when people are treated differently because of undesirable genes, as revealed by their DNA information.10 Breast cancer, Huntington's disease...

At present, no law bars the practice for hiring, firing or setting the terms for health insurance.10
Summary

DNA science has gone a long way from Dr. Watson's discovery of the double helix in 1953. DNA testing today points to the culprit in criminal investigations with uncontestable accuracy. It promises similarly accurate detection and treatment of virtually every disease. But along with endless probabilities of cures loom possibilities of abuse, such as genetic discrimination. The best minds must come together in tackling both the exciting benefits of this wonder and the adverse consequences that go with it.#

REFERENCES

1. Saad R. Discovery, development and current applications of DNA identity testing. Baylor University Center. April 2005

2. Connor S. Let us rid society of genetic defects, says DNA pioneer. The (London) Independent. April 16, 2001

3. Eakins P. Strides foreseen in genetic research. Topeka Capital-Journal. May 6, 2000

4. Pw. Designer kids, super-athletes and genomic cures. Whole Earth. Summer 2000

5. Holmgren, J and Winterdyk, J. DNA evidence: balancing the scales of justice. Law Now. October-November 2001

6. Chemistry and Industry. DNA test could beat suspects by a hair. Society of Chemical Industry. November 19, 2001

7. Goho A. Injectable medibots: programmable DNA could diagnose and treat cancer. Science News. May 4, 2004

8. Walker RP. Dental and laboratory veterans form specialty diagnostics laboratory focusing on dental-related disease. Market Wire. August 2008

9. Connor S. Plan to store DNA of every baby to tailor health care. The (London) Independent. June 25, 2003

10. Deering A. Genetic discrimination. Risk Management. July 2002