Over at her blog The Stuff of Life, Elaine Westwick delves into "Children and genomics: the underworld of DNA talent testing," and says that genetic testing companies' marketing tactics "are getting slicker." For example, she points to a firm that offers and "Inborn Talent Genetic Test," which scans for 40 genes including the "propensity for teenage romance gene," the "explosive power gene," the "general wellness gene," and the "self-detoxifying gene." "Dr. James Thorson" is especially adamant that parents consider purchasing the test for their child, saying, emphasis his own:
Westwick says that Magic Filder, located in Delfi Orchard, Singapore, offers children's music lessons "with a sideline in DNA testing to determine musical ability. … For $2,800, you can get the DNA Test plus 12 weekly music classes." Westwick says that while the music lessons are probably "wonderful," the science behind the tests isn't.
The blogger says that, for the time being, marketing gimmicks such as these "will only affect those credulous enough to believe the manufactured science." But as "the genomics juggernaut is on a roll, bringing with it more robust links between personality traits and DNA sequence," Westwick asks whether predictive testing will be appropriate for tots.