2008 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript
This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2008. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.
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Is it beneficial to know your gene history?
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Barbara Biesecker, M.S.:
Researching ways to make genetic counseling as effective as possible.
It is hard to know your gene history unless family members have had specific genetic testing. However, you may mean to ask about your FAMILY history. This is how genetic counselors and physicians discern genetic risks in families. If you know your family history, you can take that information to your health care provider who can estimate any inherited risks you may face and what can be done about them. Yes, it can be very useful and important to know your family history. To find a tool to map your family history go to www.familyhistory.hhs.gov. You can print it out and take it to your doctor. |
| Scarlet Oaks in OH (12th grade student) |
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