Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

DIY Gene Test: Get Results in the Mail

New home exam lets users swab cheeks, send away for info

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 6, 2007 12:45 PM CST

(Newser) – A new British company has developed a home DNA test that determines whether customers are genetically predisposed to ailments such as breast cancer, heart disease, obesity, and osteoporosis. Users scrape a cheek with a swab, sign a special waiver if they want to know results even for incurable diseases, such as Alzheimer's, and send it off. The results come back in the mail.

How many people have the stomach to find out what congenital diseases might afflict them decades hence? One writer at the Independent does, and she put the new service to the test. Virginia Ironside scraped her cheek with the kit's swab, "feeling rather like Saddam Hussein," and mailed in her cells. Her assessment: an increased risk of high blood pressure. "My only anxiety now," she writes, "is whether I am going to die of anything at all."

A new test allows users to discover their predispositions to genetic diseases from home.
A new test allows users to discover their predispositions to genetic diseases from home.   ((c) Gaetan Lee)
A new test allows users to discover their predispositions to genetic diseases from home.
A new test allows users to discover their predispositions to genetic diseases from home.   (KRT Photos)
A new test allows users to discover their predispositions to genetic diseases from home.
A new test allows users to discover their predispositions to genetic diseases from home.   ((c) Image Editor)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Scientists Find Gene That Triggers Menstruation

Embryos Screened for Cancer Risk

Walgreens to Wait on Cheap Genetic Tests

Millions of Americans May Have 'Rare' Artery Disease

Heart and Gum Disease Linked by Gene: Study


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne