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Everything you need to know about genetic testing and personalized medicine

Your cells contain chromosomes made up of chemical strands called DNA, which carry genetic information. Those genes are recipes for proteins that give you the wide variety of traits that make you who you are: from the curl of your hair to the texture of your earwax to the color of your eyes.

Genetic tests look for changes or mutations in your DNA. They can tell you whether you have a genetic condition or are at risk of developing a disease.

Tests for specific genetic conditions have long been available from health care professionals. For example, a doctor might test for mutations in genes called BRCA-1 and BRCA-2, which are linked…

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Featured

 DNA Test for Rare Disorders Becomes More Routine

The test is beginning to transform life for patients and families who have often spent years searching for answers. They can now start the grueling process with DNA sequencing, says Dr. Wendy K. Chung, professor of pediatrics and medicine at Columbia University. “Most people originally thought of using it as a court of last resort,” Dr. Chung said. “Now we can think of it as a first-line test.”

 Employees Jump at Genetic Testing. Is That a Good Thing?

Genetic disease risk screening is becoming a popular employee benefit. But the tests may not be all that beneficial for the general population, experts say.

 Exploring the Ethics of Genetic Testing

If you could find out whether you’re going to develop a disease or not, would you? With the advent of precision and personalized medicine, this has become a question that many people will need to consider. Using genetic testing, it is now possible for someone to find out if they will or are highly likely to develop a disease.

 Genetic Testing: The Good, the Bad, and the Costly

At its core, genetic testing involves analyzing genes to identify mutations or variants that could indicate a predisposition to, or the presence of, certain diseases. The applications are vast and profoundly impactful. For instance, identifying mutations in the BRCA gene can signal an increased risk of breast cancer, while a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome can lead to proactive measures against colon cancer.

 One Scientist’s Quest to Bring DNA Sequencing to Every Sick Kid

Ryan Taft didn’t know that he would become one of the world’s leading experts in diagnosing rare genetic diseases. Then he met Stephen Damiani.

Articles of Interest

Are Genetic Testing Sites the New Social Networks?

Like Facebook, but for fifth cousins, adoptive mothers and sperm-donor dads.

Genetic testing is an inexact science with real consequences

How flawed genetic testing could be used for more than screwing up your race.

Genetic testing is terrifying when you have cancer

Learning that you have cancer is shocking. During treatment, the last thing you want to consider is having cancer ever again. But for many of us who’ve been diagnosed, especially at a young age, it’s a prospect we must confront.

Genos Will Sequence Your Genes - And Help You Sell Them to Science

In a first for the personal genomics movement, the company is creating a research pipeline with academic and commercial partners, and paying customers to donate their data. The incentives range between $50 and $200 per project; the first four include a vaccine for breast cancer, a clinical trial for treating lymphoma, and research into prion diseases and common neurological disorders.

How genetic testing of dubious value is infiltrating the world of sports

Genetic analysis companies are forging alliances with personal trainers, chiropractors, and coaches around the world to market genomics tests that they say can help athletes at all levels tailor their workouts to their DNA.

How Genetic Tests Could Help Parents Better Understand Their Child's Autism

Newer tests may provide greater insights into why autism develops.

Personal Genetic Testing Is Here. Do We Need It?

Experts say many people are using a growing stream of genetic data to help them make better health decisions. But they also warn that some consumers may be led astray by genetic findings that are overblown or irrelevant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for example, takes a cautious approach to personal genomics tests, telling consumers on its website to “think before they spit” and that “evidence on the ability of genetic information to change health behavior has been lacking.”

The Rise of DIY Genetic Testing

Some people are skipping the doctor’s office and using the internet to order and interpret their own DNA tests.

What can genetic testing really tell you?

Once difficult and expensive even for the most technologically advanced labs, genetic testing is fast becoming a cheap and easy consumer product. With a little spit and 200 dollars, you can find out your risk for everything from cystic fibrosis to lactose intolerance.

Resources

7 Things You Should Know About The Future Of Your Genetic Data

Within five years, Wojcicki predicts that many more consumers will have instant access to their own data, tests and on-demand health care wherever they are via their mobile devices.

DNA.Land

Learn more about your DNA and contribute to important scientific research.

DNAandU

This website provides an opportunity for those of you who want to share your story including those already using DNA information in your healthcare decisions...

Exact Sciences

We are Exact Sciences, and we’re changing lives together through earlier detection and smarter answers.

GeneDx

GeneDx specializes in genetic testing for rare hereditary disorders. Our mission is to make clinical testing available to people with rare genetic conditions and their families.

Genes for Good

Genes for Good is a research study aimed at generating and analyzing an enormous database of health and genetic information. This research will provide valuable biological insight into the causes of common diseases.

Genomic Prediction

The most powerful embryo genetic test ever developed, for families pursuing IVF.

Health Nucleus

Health Nucleus, a clinical research and discovery center, is the premier health intelligence platform integrating genomics, advanced clinical imaging and robust machine learning in a spa-like setting. Using our proprietary technology to identify actionable opportunities today, we empower you and your physician to proactively plan for a longer, healthy life.

Myriad Women’s Health

At Myriad Women’s Health, we believe in the power of human understanding. That's why we offer a personal and thoughtful genetic insights experience for providers and the women who rely on them.

Orig3n

Recent scientific breakthroughs are revolutionizing the way we think about DNA and health. Orig3n is on a mission to turn these discoveries into practical solutions and make them available to you.

Personal Genome Project

We believe individuals from the general public have a vital role to play in making personal genomes useful. We are recruiting volunteers who are willing to share their genome sequence and many types of personal information with the research community and the general public, so that together we will be better able to advance our understanding of genetic and environmental contributions to human traits and to improve our ability to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.

There’s No Guarantee That Genetic Tests Are Accurate

Even those administered by doctors lack FDA oversight