The Science And Ethics Of Personal Genetic Testing

Listen to the radio show here.

When the human genome was mapped a decade ago, the ability to uncover our genetic secrets became a reality. But for many years, the price of accessing genetic information for individuals was sky-high. Now, technology has rapidly advanced and numerous companies offer personal genetic testing for a few hundred dollars. A simple saliva test can reveal genetic links to certain diseases, health conditions and ancestry. And a California company was recently awarded a patent for a process that would allow parents to select traits like hair and eye color for unborn children. Diane and a panel of experts discuss the science and ethics of personal genetic testing.

Guests

Marcy Darnovsky executive director, Center for Genetics and Society
Jeffrey Kahn professor of bioethics and public policy, Johns Hopkins University Berman Institute of Bioethics.
Kevin Noonan partner, McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff and founding author, Patent Docs blog