3 ms·

Conversely one could argue that having access to your SNP data, accompanied by some good learning material and software (and 23andme do a pretty good job here)

by bbgm 17y ago

Conversely one could argue that having access to your SNP data, accompanied by some good learning material and software (and 23andme do a pretty good job here) is the best way for people to get a better understanding of this kind of data. You have to start somewhere and the underlying technology is now mature enough that having a commercial company (or companies in this case) take a lead in writing material and software targeted at the consumer is a good thing.

jacquesm 17y ago
Maybe. All I see is that people that are worried about some heritable disease are out $400. I spent the better part of a year to brush up on genetics (because my former gf worked in a university lab doing a project for her PhD) and this stuff is not something you explain in a leaflet or booklet. That may be just enough to get them to interpret the data. Also note that their 'genetics 101' simplifies things to the point that it should qualify as entertainment. To really interpret this data and to get some idea of what the (potential) impact on your life is you need a lot of background and possibly a multi-hour sit-down with an expert in the field. And that's all still before looking at things like should a commercial entity have access to your genetic information ? Note that their privacy policy explicitly permits them to make available to third parties your genetic data, but 'without your name or any other account information'. Those people should know better, after all what is more identifying than your genome... And what if they get bought out by some third party that decides to play fast and loose with this information.
- bbgm 17y ago
  I am not denying the complexity or the potential risks, but I also believe that this is the kind of information people should understand, and can take to a genetic counselor and discuss. The information is well curated, updated, you get your raw data. I would insist on that policy. Genetic information in it's individuality is of no use. With a large enough pool with associated traits, it's ideal for research and that's why they have it. I live in this world and yes, the data are complex, but there are some very smart people working on making this more accessible (including at 23andme). If we want people to be curious about genetics, make an effort to understand the information, and also understand the implications, if a commercial entity comes along to give this a shot in the arm, it's a good thing. If it's too early, the market will make that decision.

by bbgm 17y ago

jacquesm 17y ago

Maybe. All I see is that people that are worried about some heritable disease are out $400. I spent the better part of a year to brush up on genetics (because my former gf worked in a university lab doing a project for her PhD) and this stuff is not something you explain in a leaflet or booklet. That may be just enough to get them to interpret the data. Also note that their 'genetics 101' simplifies things to the point that it should qualify as entertainment. To really interpret this data and to get some idea of what the (potential) impact on your life is you need a lot of background and possibly a multi-hour sit-down with an expert in the field. And that's all still before looking at things like should a commercial entity have access to your genetic information ? Note that their privacy policy explicitly permits them to make available to third parties your genetic data, but 'without your name or any other account information'. Those people should know better, after all what is more identifying than your genome... And what if they get bought out by some third party that decides to play fast and loose with this information.

bbgm 17y ago
I am not denying the complexity or the potential risks, but I also believe that this is the kind of information people should understand, and can take to a genetic counselor and discuss. The information is well curated, updated, you get your raw data. I would insist on that policy. Genetic information in it's individuality is of no use. With a large enough pool with associated traits, it's ideal for research and that's why they have it. I live in this world and yes, the data are complex, but there are some very smart people working on making this more accessible (including at 23andme). If we want people to be curious about genetics, make an effort to understand the information, and also understand the implications, if a commercial entity comes along to give this a shot in the arm, it's a good thing. If it's too early, the market will make that decision.