How Accurate Are Spit Samples for Predicting Genetic Predispositions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the accuracy of spit samples for predicting genetic predispositions to diseases. Participants explore the implications of genetic testing, both personally and socially, while expressing varying degrees of concern and curiosity about the knowledge of one's genetic risks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the accuracy of spit samples and expresses a personal reluctance to know about potential genetic predispositions to diseases.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that knowledge of genetic superiority could lead to a eugenics program, reflecting a controversial perspective on genetic testing.
  • Some participants argue that valuing knowledge over comfort is important, suggesting that individuals can choose whether to know their genetic risks.
  • A participant speculates about the potential for couples to request genetic testing before marriage to assess compatibility for having children.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about their family's lack of hereditary diseases, indicating a belief in the importance of family medical history in understanding genetic risks.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of curiosity and concern regarding genetic testing, with no clear consensus on its implications or desirability. Some support the idea of knowing genetic risks, while others highlight the potential emotional burden of such knowledge.

Contextual Notes

Participants' views reflect a range of assumptions about the implications of genetic knowledge, the reliability of spit samples, and the social consequences of genetic testing. There are unresolved questions about the accuracy and ethical considerations surrounding genetic predisposition testing.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals considering genetic testing, those studying genetics, and anyone interested in the ethical implications of genetic knowledge in personal and societal contexts.

fileen
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What do you make of this?
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1852747_1854493,00.html

Im curious how accurate a spit sample really is. I've taken intro genetics and I have some more advanced stuff coming next semester, but if there's an expert around Id like some opinions. I don't think Id want to know my predisposition for disease. I go through life knowing somethings going to get me someday and hoping its not today. I wonder how I would feel knowing I have a good chance of catching some horribly debilitating disease? What do you all think?
 
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I think its critically important if were going to have a successful eugenics program.

According to my superior DNA, I must have sex with as many super models as possible if humanity is to have any hopes of surviving. It's a hard job, but somones got to do it.
 
I value knowing over my own personal comfort, you can always choose not to know I suppose.
 
Great, there goes any hope of me ever getting some nookie.
 
WarPhalange said:
Great, there goes any hope of me ever getting some nookie.

Someone has to father the untouchables to do the dirty jobs and live in the subterranean underworld with liquid hot MAG-MA.
 
No, all that means is while you spend all your time fooling around with supermodels, I'm building an empire and building clones of myself.

It's a shame nobody will be able to see your pretty looks in the cold darkness of the subterranean world.
 
Everyone who does it will discover they have the narcissistic gene.
 
I could see couples thinking about getting married requesting a prospective spouse to take the test to see if they are someone they want to have children with. Not that I condone that, I can just see it happening.

If your biological parents are known, you already have knowledge of hereditary diseases in your family like cancer, heart disease, etc...

I think it's a bit of a miracle that on both of my parent's sides there has never been any hereditary disease, not even cancer, in any family member. Just high blood pressure on my dad's side, which would fall under heart disease, but that's easily controlled.
 

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