How DNA testing is making a difference

GeneLife is celebrating DNA Day by exploring how this breakthrough technology is helping benefit humanity, as well as address many of society's greatest challenges.

Helping manage public health

DNA testing is helping us manage public health, especially during these turbulent times of unprecedented disruption to not just the world economy, but also to our everyday lives. The most accurate form of testing at present of COVID-19 is through the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that tests if the genetic material of the virus is present in the sample of the person tested.

Collection of samples is usually done with a swab that is inserted through the person’s nose. The sample is then run through a PCR-based test to see whether the person is infected or not.

Detection of infected individuals is crucial for the containment of the virus - it’s all thanks to the technology of DNA testing! GeneLife has also released our COVID-19 test kit that we developed with the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the testing protocol of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases of Japan. Learn more about GeneLife’s COVID-19 test kit here

Discovering new treatments

In the last few decades, the medical and scientific community were facing roadblocks tackling rare diseases. However, with the increased adoption of DNA testing, many in the medical community are now tackling this challenge with renewed vigour.

Rare diseases are estimated to be 80% Mendelian (caused by genes passed down through generations). With easier and more affordable access to DNA testing technology, the medical community is starting to discover gene-based therapies which are more targeted. These new treatments have been a source of hope for patients who previously had no other options. Learn more about gene therapy here.

Monitoring our immunity

The uses of DNA testing are not just limited to medical testing and drug discovery. You can also personally benefit from this technology by gaining more insight into what makes you, you - your genes!

At-home DNA tests such as the ones we have in GeneLife can not just tell you more about your predispositions for certain health conditions, our test can also give you a better picture of your natural immunity. This is done by analyzing your genes that influence your vitamin levels.

Each and everyone of us has natural levels of these important immunity-supporting vitamins like vitamin C, E, D and many more. It is important for us to ensure that our immune system is in top shape, especially in these uncertain times, and we can do this by learning more about our genes!

Other uses of DNA testing

DNA testing is not just for institutions and big companies. You can also get your DNA tested and get the following benefits.

Manage your health proactively by uncovering more than 360 traits based on your DNA, including body constitution, health-related risks and more.

Improve your skincare regimen by learning more about your skin’s characteristics and identifying the right ingredients for your skin type.

Diet more effectively by understanding your metabolism and get invaluable tips to improve your nutrition and diet.

Create more effective workouts by identifying your muscle type.

Uncover your inherent talents and abilities based on your DNA and make more informed decisions in your journey towards personal growth.

Genetics Fun Fact

Did you know that the disease, sickle cell anaemia is also a genetic mutation? It gives people living in places where malaria is rampant an adaptive advantage. This is because people that have 2 alleles (variants of genes) of sickle cell disease have less severe symptoms when they are infected with malaria.

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Genetics Fun Fact

Scientists discovered giant viruses (as big as 1 μm in length) in 2013, named Pandoraviruses. The scientists who discovered it suggest that because 93% of the Pandoravirus’s genes resemble nothing known and their origin cannot be traced back to any known cellular lineage, they say it could suggest the existence of a 4th domain of life.

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Genetics Fun Fact

8% of our DNA is derived from the viruses that invaded our ancestor’s genomes thousands of years ago! These viruses are called retroviruses. They replicate by inserting their DNA into their hosts (us). Once this is done, it then copies itself and the virus spreads. However, there are instances where the virus is deactivated in our bodies because of a mutation. This “dead” virus then remains inside our genes and passed down through generations.

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