Genetic analysis could become routine part of doctor visit by 2015

By Dick Pelletier

      

    Ever wonder why it's so difficult to lose weight or change bad habits? And have you ever questioned whether the prescription drugs and vitamins you gulp down every day really help? Analyzing genes, a new medical science unfolding in today's high-tech world, give doctors an inside look into your physical and emotional health issues and enables a more accurate evaluation to prescribe treatments.

    Today's researchers are discovering how genes exercise control over the body, how we become susceptible to disease, and how we acquire both positive and negative physical and mental abilities. As this ground-breaking science advances, doctors will soon be able to recommend drugs that prevent disease, and therapies that correct physical and emotional deficiencies; which will lead to a more satisfying lifestyle.

    Enthusiasm for genomics began in 1990 with the Human Genome Project, an effort to sequence every gene in the body, which was completed in 2003 at a cost of $3 billion.

    In 2004, biotech entrepreneur Craig Venter and James Watson, co-discoverer of the double helix, had their genomes analyzed for $1 million each. Biotech firm Illumina, whose customer list includes corporate CEO's, optimistic centenarians, and actress Glenn Close, star of this writer's favorite TV show, Damages; have recently dropped their price to provide personal gene analysis from $40,000 to $19,500.

    But a Harvard spinoff, dubbed GnuBio aims to do the job for $30, and they hope to begin by the end of this year. "This is a breathtaking advance in genomics," says Eric Green, National Human Genome Research director. Genetic analysis will soon be affordable for everyone.

    Genes not only show predisposition for disease, they also create tastes and aptitudes, like curiosity, ambition, and empathy; traits that control who we become in life. In a recent New York Times article, cognitive scientist Steven Pinker predicted that "One day we will identify genes that incline a person to being nasty or nice, an egghead or a doer, a sad sack or a blithe spirit."

    Initial research focus in this new wonder-field includes genetic disease prevention; but as the technology matures, positive futurists believe that personal enhancements will become a major goal in genetic analysis. Ability to add height to short people, eliminate obesity, increase intelligence, and a variety of other improvements will become must-have applications in the genetic analysis world.

    Some doctors have already integrated genomics into their practice. Doctor Steven Murphy's Personalized Medicine Group near New York, performs personalized risk assessment for 3,000 patients, including family history and genetic testing. They screen for hereditary cancer and other disorders.

    Genetic analysis promises to change our lives beyond the wildest expectations. On a typical future doctor visit, by as early as 2015, some experts say, you swipe a gene card that highlights your medical strengths and weaknesses. The doctor then prescribes only the exact drugs or therapies that guarantee perfect health until your next visit.

    Will healthcare advance like this? Although researchers have yet to unravel most of the genetic mysteries, new discoveries are made almost daily.

    Genetic analysis promises huge excitement for science, and offers great hope for humanity; especially those of us in older age groups. Go "magical future."

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.