4 ms·

I work for a major genetic research and diagnostics laboratory. This is what's known in the biz as "incidental findings" and in a clinical setting is an enormou

I work for a major genetic research and diagnostics laboratory. This is what's known in the biz as "incidental findings" and in a clinical setting is an enormous no-no (not as big a deal in research). It's this kind of careless disclosure of sensitive information that makes more than a few of the non-consumer-facing organizations (not to mention the FDA) a bit wary of companies like 23andMe. I haven't used 23andMe so I can't speak to how well their ordering system addresses this issue beyond what the article states. Regardless, customers ordering these kinds of panels should be well informed as to what they're getting into. EDIT: I did mean "wary" not "weary"

sliverstorm 12y ago
a bit weary of companies... It is "wary". Please. Please.
- benaiah 12y ago
  Or he could have meant that he was tired of these companies disclosing deeply personal information so carelessly. Either one works. When the meaning is that ambiguous, you should probably be kinder and more reserved in your attempts to correct it.
- Blahah 12y ago
  'weary' is perfectly valid. You're welcome. You're welcome.
  - sliverstorm 12y ago
    Ok, you got me there, in this case it happened to be valid grammar. Though IMO it was clear the writer meant "wary".
- dragonwriter 12y ago
  Well, unless you mean that the entities are tired of the companies, rather than cautious of them, in which case, "weary" is the correct word. Come to think of it, most of the time "wary" is used to refer to reaction resulting from a worrying pattern of behavior, "weary" probably is also accurate, even if its not what the author is most concerned with communicating.
blendo 12y ago
I'm not sure the disclosure (of a related DNA sequence) was careless. In fact, having millions of correlated DNA sequences might prove quite profitable someday. Although I'm a bit surprised that to remove DNA info, you need to close your entire account, at which point they will "remove all Genetic Information within your account (or profile) within thirty (30) days of our receipt of your request". Or maybe not: "Our contracted genotyping laboratory may also retain your Genetic Information as required by local law and we may retain backup copies for a limited period of time pursuant to our data protection policies."

sliverstorm 12y ago

a bit weary of companies... It is "wary". Please. Please.

benaiah 12y ago
Or he could have meant that he was tired of these companies disclosing deeply personal information so carelessly. Either one works. When the meaning is that ambiguous, you should probably be kinder and more reserved in your attempts to correct it.
Blahah 12y ago
'weary' is perfectly valid. You're welcome. You're welcome.
- sliverstorm 12y ago
  Ok, you got me there, in this case it happened to be valid grammar. Though IMO it was clear the writer meant "wary".
dragonwriter 12y ago
Well, unless you mean that the entities are tired of the companies, rather than cautious of them, in which case, "weary" is the correct word. Come to think of it, most of the time "wary" is used to refer to reaction resulting from a worrying pattern of behavior, "weary" probably is also accurate, even if its not what the author is most concerned with communicating.

blendo 12y ago

I'm not sure the disclosure (of a related DNA sequence) was careless. In fact, having millions of correlated DNA sequences might prove quite profitable someday. Although I'm a bit surprised that to remove DNA info, you need to close your entire account, at which point they will "remove all Genetic Information within your account (or profile) within thirty (30) days of our receipt of your request". Or maybe not: "Our contracted genotyping laboratory may also retain your Genetic Information as required by local law and we may retain backup copies for a limited period of time pursuant to our data protection policies."