The Benefits and Core Applications of DNA Testing

Unless you have studied the topic of DNA in depth, it is unlikely that you will have any more than a general knowledge of the science behind it. While anyone who has watched an episode of CSI knows that DNA testing can be used to prove that criminal suspects were at a particular crime scene, there is much more to the complex science of genetics than initially meets the eye. It is becoming an increasingly influential aspect of family life and society, for example, especially as outlets such as Easy DNA continue to ensure that testing process are refined and made more accessible to everyday citizens.

The Main Applications of DNA Testing in 2014

With this in mind, how exactly is DNA testing being used in 2014? Consider the following applications: –

  1. Genetic Predisposition Testing

While it is a well known fact that mothers and fathers can carry hereditary diseases in their DNA, the ability to test for these prior to the birth of a child was not available until recently. Not only have scientists now made genetic predisposition testing available to everyday families and households, however, but the process has also been amended to ensure that it is as non-intrusive as possible for the patient in question. With this capacity, parents can now prepare for any hereditary ailments or disabilities that their children may incur through the course of their live, and make plans to provide them with a comfortable future.

  1. The Eradication of Certain Hereditary Diseases

On a similar note, recent news reports have suggested that it will soon be possible for parents to eradicate the threat that hereditary diseases pose to their future children. More specifically, researchers have developed a method that enables mother’s to conceive children that have three unique DNA strands, which in turn will enable scientists to eliminate genes that carry a particular virus or illness in question. While the ethics behind this breakthrough are being questioned at length, there is little doubt that this represents a major step forward in the fight against terminal and debilitating diseases.

  1. Paternity Testing in Unborn Children

Paternity testing is one of the most common and widely known application of DNA science, although once again researchers have recently developed new methods that enable unborn children to be sampled. These tests can be carried out in an entirely ethical and unobtrusive manner, while they also enable families to determine paternity as soon as possible before the child is born. This is not only an extremely positive step for couples who may be struggling to come to terms with infidelity, but it also ensures that children have access to both parents’ medical records in the event that they become unwell unexpectedly.