Teens Want to Know Genetic Test Results

 

 

  

  

When it comes to genetic testing, surveys show that more teens would rather know the results instead of not knowing. However, there was a little twist to the survey. Researchers surveyed a group of adolescents about whether or not they would want to know the results of a genetic test even if they were predisposed to a certain disease or condition that was incurable. 83 percent of them would prefer to know the results. Of that 83 percent, 39 percent responded that they would only want to know in order to better plan their future, since they believe their likelihood of a disease or condition is very important information. The results of this study, however, may be slightly skewed as only healthy students were surveyed. Researchers believe students with real conditions may not want to know the results of a genetic test. 

This article is quite interesting to me. It has always been a question of mine. Would I want to know the results of a genetic test or would I rather live my life not worrying about possible diseases or conditions that may affect me later in life? This is a question that I may soon have to answer. My family is currently suffering through a cancer outbreak, and doctors have found a gene that may be linked to the cancer. Some of my great aunts and uncles have the gene. If my mom has the gene, then I will have to be genetically tested in order to figure out if I have the gene or not, and what is my likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer.  

  

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Why poor sleeping habits may not be your fault

A European study, done by LMU researchers, has shown that a gene may influence how long humans stay asleep at night. The gene is called ABCC9, and it is also a genetic factor in heart disease and diabetes. The researchers scanned genomes for variations in sleeping patterns. In this recent study however, more than 4000 people from European populations filled out questionnaires to describe their sleeping habits. It revealed that individuals who had two copies of one of the ABCC9 genes slept for a shorter period of time than those with copies of another version. Apparently the ABCC9 gene codes for the protein SUR2, which helps regulate the potassium channel in the cell membrane. The channel then acts as a sensor of metabolism in energy expenses. When further researchers blocked the ABCC9 gene in the fruit fly nervous system, the subjects' sleep cycle was shortened.



(Many variables also determine sleep duration such as age, sex, and daily activities.)