Weekly Genetics Quote #20: The Universe in a Single Atom

This week’s genetics quote is from The Universe in a Single Atom : The Convergence of Science and Spirituality by The Dalai Lama.

…genetics can tell individuals and families that they have genes which may kill or maim them in childhood, youth, or middle age. This knowledge could radically alter our definitions of health and sickness. For example, someone who is healthy at present but has a particular genetic predisposition may come to be marked as “soon to be sick.” What should we do with such knowledge and how do we handle it in a way that is most compassionate? Who should have access to such knowledge, given its social and personal implications in relation to insurance, employment, and relationships, as well as reproduction? Does the individual who carries such a gene have a responsibility to reveal this fact to his or her potential partner in life? These are just a few of the questions raised by such genetic research.

Technorati Tags: genetics, genes, dna, disease, health, dalai lama, quotes