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Excuse me, I need to check my DNA on my cell phone

by Mark Rollins on Jul 7, 2008 at 02:49 PM

DNA Shot

I’m not certain whether we are at the point where everything is visible on a genetic test, but in case you don’t know, those DNA tests are pretty complex.  Fortunately, some scientists at Berkeley have created a technique that uses something called electrostatic tech. 

All a user has to do is put their DNA sample on a microarray surface.  Then these negatively charged things called microspheres are spread across the surface, which can push themselves into clumps as they move away from the like-charged DNA and RNA areas. 

These clumps are apparently easy to see, so easy that they can be recorded by an ordinary cell phone camera. 

Putting DNA on a mircroarray and taking a picture of it on a cell phone camera is a lot easier than chemicals and instruments.  This new process could be used in underdeveloped third world countries, and help them prevent disease and other genetic disorders. 

So, what will this lead to?  Perhaps an age where DNA testing becomes a lot more common.  I suppose that might be good thing if we could really prevent some problems.  Of course, how good is genetic testing anyway? 

Via [DVICE]

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