3 ms·
At least in my country a blood sample is taken from every newborn to test for specific preventable genetic diseases (eg phenyl-ketonuria). A baby will become a
by tsoukase 3mo ago
At least in my country a blood sample is taken from every newborn to test for specific preventable genetic diseases (eg phenyl-ketonuria).
A baby will become a powerful adult after 30 years, when their DNA info might become valuable (for forensic, health, research or other reasons). It's a long time for the investment to return. Why not sequence all people's DNA now, obligatory by law. All that it's needed is a little saliva and a wide lab infra.
- sometimelurker 3mo ago> not sequence all people's DNA While the people in power yesterday/today might not abuse databases of their entire population's DNA, those of today/tomorrow might. In the long-run, of 10y,20y, 50+y, you cannot guarantee this information will not be used for extreme harm. This is different that vaccines. Not everyone can be vaccinated, so to ensure that everyone is protected, everyone must be vaccinated. DNA sequencing at most only helps the person and at most their offspring. It should be a choice, and not mandatory. > my country out of curiosity, what country?
- tsoukase 3mo agoGreece. They test for congenital hypothyroidism (which leads to cretinism) too. DNA info is not so much of value as it sounds. Genetic testing has very poor results and therapy is almost non existent. If they (govs and orgs) could extract value, they would make it mandatory for all, like fingerprint and face photo.