Implications and advancements of dna (as a medical milestone) in the future - Essay Example

Biology Implications and Advancements of DNA Studies on DNA started with the Human Genome Project. The projectbegan in 1998 as a science project, but on a grand scale. Its aim to map and sequence about 100,000 genes in human DNA is the largest biology scheme in history. Such advancement in the study of DNA can be used in combat diseases, affect human physiology, perform parental testing, facilitate organ donation, and manipulate psychology among others. Currently, DNA profiling has been used extensively in various areas of human health.

Medical doctors and other research scientists can now diagnose inherited disorders in newborn and prenatal babies in hospitals. Some of the disorders include hemophilia, and sickle cell anemia among others. The detection enables the parents and medical staff to prepare for the upcoming treatments. Genetic counsellors also use the knowledge of DNA to advise couples on their risks of having disabled children (“nih.gov”). Medical experts are also developing new technologies that can rapidly sequence large quantities of DNA.

The initial sequencing method was called Sanger, but has now undergone automation for it to work faster than before. Other DNA technologies such as STR and RFLP have erupted and will continue to erupt as long studies in DNA do not stop. The next generation sequencing technologies can sequence human DNA in a short time and at low costs (“nih.gov”).Over the last few years, the world has witnessed rapid progress in biotechnology and, in particular, the human genome project. The advancement has seen the emergence of complex datasets such as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, microarray expression of cells, and genome sequencing of various species.

All this has given rise to bioinformatics, a field with vast applications in the medical field (“nih.gov”). What the future holds on DNA remains a mystery, and it is only time and science that can tell. Work Cited“nih.gov,” What Advances Are Being Made in DNA Sequencing? Genetics Home Reference. 11 Nov. 2014. Web. 13 Nov. 2014. .