Human Gene research proceeds at a remarkably rapid rate. The vast railroad track of DNA that runs through every chromosome is being explored to pinpoint where every gene resides. Detailed knowledge of respective genes, indicate the functions and it is expected that much heralded research may lead to lead to better tests, improved treatments, and even cure genetic disorders. The results of some scientific studies can lead to complications on some of life crucial decisions. Expectations may be high for those with inherited disorders who may be contemplating the decision to have children with the hope that cures may be imminent.With the Human Genome Project, the monumental task of identifying the 25000 genes in human DNA has been completed, and the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA has been determined. The map of the chromosome containing the markers, has been produced. The task of finding specific target genes is now greatly simplified. The time spent identifying target genes associated with hereditary illnesses has been reduced from years to days.
DNA testing has already had a significant, positive impact on health related issues and with a new DNA testing procedures, detection of disease are now more detailed and accurate and better cures can be developed. DNA testing can be an extremely useful tool for predicting diseases. Medical professionals can identify genes in DNA that are markers for disease. This can be used as a signal to make appropriate lifestyle, dietary changes or similar modifications to lower the risk of disease. Carriers, who do not express symptoms of any hereditary disorders, can make informed choices regarding prospective pregnancy.
DNA testing has been successful in finding a method for identifying those individuals with a high risk of heart disease. DNA tests have found differences in genes that identify individual with a high risk of developing Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (known as Lou Gehrigs disease) and other degenerative diseases such as Parkinsons' disease. These differences were found when the axon pathway was investigated. The axon pathway crucially important component of the brain, especially during growth of the fetus. The messages developed support and repair the 'wiring' of the brain during a person's entire life. Researchers found that genes involved with the Axon pathway was significantly different from those of the normal population.
It is hoped that specific drugs can be developed that will target these pathways.
Although the concept of developing specific treatments for genetic diseases has seen limited success. The approaches that have been promoted, involve restricting certain substances, using drugs to correct chemical imbalances,replacing organs, and supplying missing substances.The focus of scientific interest now shifts to gene therapy where a "normal" gene is inserted into the genome to replace an "abnormal," disease-causing gene. What is turning gene therapy from fantasy to reality is a group of new techniques that allow a specific gene to be extracted out of the bulk of DNA and to be mass produced or cloned. Many of these techniques have been perfected by researches engaged in gene mapping.
Exercising caution with DNA Testing
Research into DNA testing and predicting the risk of developing diseases is becoming vitally important in medical research. There appears to be some troubling trends with emerging technologies. Home tests have cropped up online and ads for products that claim to analyse a person's DNA to find genes that are markers for diseases such as cancer, seem to be virtually everywhere. Marketing for genetic tests is already ubiquitous, however investigations, conducted by government agencies have discovered false an inaccurate claims by some of the companies that promote tests for breast cancer. The tests are fraudulent, foe the most part. If you are concerned about developing the disease, you should speak with your doctor or a genetic counselor for more information and reliable testing.
The exciting area of research into DNA testing hold great promise fr predicting the risk of diseases, but consumers should still seek professional advice.
DNA testing has already had a significant, positive impact on health related issues and with a new DNA testing procedures, detection of disease are now more detailed and accurate and better cures can be developed. DNA testing can be an extremely useful tool for predicting diseases. Medical professionals can identify genes in DNA that are markers for disease. This can be used as a signal to make appropriate lifestyle, dietary changes or similar modifications to lower the risk of disease. Carriers, who do not express symptoms of any hereditary disorders, can make informed choices regarding prospective pregnancy.
DNA testing has been successful in finding a method for identifying those individuals with a high risk of heart disease. DNA tests have found differences in genes that identify individual with a high risk of developing Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (known as Lou Gehrigs disease) and other degenerative diseases such as Parkinsons' disease. These differences were found when the axon pathway was investigated. The axon pathway crucially important component of the brain, especially during growth of the fetus. The messages developed support and repair the 'wiring' of the brain during a person's entire life. Researchers found that genes involved with the Axon pathway was significantly different from those of the normal population.
It is hoped that specific drugs can be developed that will target these pathways.
Although the concept of developing specific treatments for genetic diseases has seen limited success. The approaches that have been promoted, involve restricting certain substances, using drugs to correct chemical imbalances,replacing organs, and supplying missing substances.The focus of scientific interest now shifts to gene therapy where a "normal" gene is inserted into the genome to replace an "abnormal," disease-causing gene. What is turning gene therapy from fantasy to reality is a group of new techniques that allow a specific gene to be extracted out of the bulk of DNA and to be mass produced or cloned. Many of these techniques have been perfected by researches engaged in gene mapping.
Exercising caution with DNA Testing
Research into DNA testing and predicting the risk of developing diseases is becoming vitally important in medical research. There appears to be some troubling trends with emerging technologies. Home tests have cropped up online and ads for products that claim to analyse a person's DNA to find genes that are markers for diseases such as cancer, seem to be virtually everywhere. Marketing for genetic tests is already ubiquitous, however investigations, conducted by government agencies have discovered false an inaccurate claims by some of the companies that promote tests for breast cancer. The tests are fraudulent, foe the most part. If you are concerned about developing the disease, you should speak with your doctor or a genetic counselor for more information and reliable testing.
The exciting area of research into DNA testing hold great promise fr predicting the risk of diseases, but consumers should still seek professional advice.
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