BEIJING , China ( CNN ) -- For years , doctors and patients have been using DNA analysis to diagnose anything from paternity to predisposition to inherited disease . Now , Chinese scientists say genetic testing can identify inherent `` talents '' as well . The results can reveal athletic or musical talents but can not necessarily identify the next Yao Ming . By examining the DNA from a simple cheek swab , scientists at Shanghai Biochip Co. , one of China 's largest biotechnology companies , say they can uncover a person 's natural strengths and weaknesses with 99 percent accuracy . They test eleven genes that they say correspond to memory , swiftness , thinking , comprehension , emotion , adventure , braveness , focus ability , perseverance , vigor and physical strength . According to the company , specific combinations of the genes can reveal whether someone is genetically predisposed to being highly intelligent , athletic , musical and more . In the case of memory , the scientists examine the gene known as BDNF , the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor gene . Research by America 's National Institute of Health suggests that different variants of the BDNF gene correspond to different competences in episodic memory ( the ability to recall recent events ) as well as different activity-levels in the hippocampus ( the area of the brain that mediates memory ) . See photos of the children 's summer camp in China where such testing occurs » . Each person has one of three possible BDNF variants : AA , AG and GG . Each variant or base pair refers to the two gene components that make up each gene on the DNA 's double helix . Most people have the GG variant , which indicates `` normal '' memory . Fewer people have the AG base pair , which corresponds to `` above average '' memory . AA is the rarest and strongest type of memory gene variant . `` The AA genotype is the best in memory . ( Someone with an AA pairing ) will learn something easy and remember the result longer than others can , '' said Yang Yanqing , the lab 's technical director . Once lab technicians determine the base pairs for each of the eleven talent genes , specialists draw conclusions about a person 's broader characteristics and even make career recommendations based a person 's talent level in each of the eleven categories . `` This child is very thoughtful and focused , '' Shanghai Biochip 's Healthcare Director Huang Xinhua explained while looking over a girl 's test results . `` I suggest she go into management . '' Although the results can also reveal athletic or musical talents , genetic testing will not necessarily be able to identify the next Yao Ming or Yo-Yo Ma . DNA analysis only provides an indication of someone 's talent potential , not their realized skill-level , the scientists say . `` It 's not like genes decide everything . Genes just decide 30 to 60 percent . The rest is post-natal . A child 's upbringing , nutrition , and education are all very much related , '' said Huang . Still for many Chinese parents , it is worth knowing that extra 30 to 60 percent more about their child . The lab , which conducts many other types of DNA tests , has seen a surge in the demand for genetic talent tests , most of the requests come from parents on behalf of their children . In a country where , by law , most couples can only have one child , parents seem to be turning to biotechnology to ensure their only child reaches his or her full potential .
Scientists at Shanghai Biochip Co. say they can uncover a person 's natural strengths . They do so by examining the DNA from a simple cheek swab . They test eleven genes that they say correspond to certain traits . Specific combinations of the genes can reveal predispositions for certain skills .