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To Know Or Not to Know

Nov 03, 2009

People fall into two camps about genetic testing — some people just don't want to know and others are keen to, says Hsien-Hsien Lei at Eye on DNA. She points out a story in the Middletown Journal (Ohio) about a cancer patient who has undergone genetic testing and her family members who are apprehensive about doing it. Another story, Lei points out is that NIH Director Francis Collins was motivated to lose about 20 pounds after being genotyped and finding an unexpected risk for type II diabetes. As for herself, Lei says, "I should want to know but I don't."

Breaking News
The Scan

Fertility Fraud Found

Consumer genetic testing has uncovered cases of fertility fraud that are leading to lawsuits, according to USA Today.

Ties Between Vigorous Exercise, ALS in Genetically At-Risk People

Regular strenuous exercise could contribute to motor neuron disease development among those already at genetic risk, Sky News reports.

Test Warning

The Guardian writes that the US regulators have warned against using a rapid COVID-19 test that is a key part of mass testing in the UK.

Science Papers Examine Feedback Mechanism Affecting Xist, Continuous Health Monitoring for Precision Medicine

In Science this week: analysis of cis confinement of the X-inactive specific transcript, and more.