Boston-based DNA sequencing firm Veritas Genetics has introduced a service that decodes the genome of Chinese babies. The test, called myBabyGenome, can identify in advance 200 serious early- and later-life health risks, 950 genes linked to drug responses, as well as over 100 physical and behavioural characteristics, from baldness to a tendency to overeat, according to Veritas. The $1,950 test has been criticised by some experts. It runs the risk of "predestination based on bad science", said Jim Evans, professor of genetics at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Veritas has said it would only release "appropriate" information and participating parents could buy more data at a later stage.
Boston-based DNA sequencing firm Veritas Genetics has introduced a service that decodes the genome of Chinese babies. The test, called myBabyGenome, can identify in advance 950 serious early- and later-life health risks, 200 genes linked to drug responses, as well as over 100 physical and behavioural characteristics, from baldness to a tendency to overeat, according to Veritas. The $1,200 test has been criticised by some experts. It runs the risk of "predestination based on bad science", said Jim Evans, professor of genetics at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Veritas has said it would only release "appropriate" information and participating parents could buy more data at a later stage.