DNA Follow-Up

Awesome segment Tina. That was definitely up close and personal.

Cool to finally see the results. 'Twas interesting. According to the parental units our family descended from Europe as well, of course that's without testing to confirm it. And correct me if I'm wrong but is today not a certain someone's birthday? I'd like to wish her a great one, and thank her for the good work on on10. She's the bestest.

Oh rly? well happy b-day Tina! 21 finally huh? don't drink too much on St. Patty's day now ok.

Thanks for the honorable mention, Tina.  You're the greatest.  I really enjoyed your initial trip to Genelex and was quite taken with the idea of determining what European ancestry you came from.  I'm not entirely sure why I was so curious, but I was definitely interested in finding out.  I was expecting you to return to the lab, so I was really impressed that Howard took the time to come and see you.

I had guessed you were almost exclusively European given what little I know of your family, and it would seem my intuition was correct.  I can now say that at least one incarnate goddess is of Helena origins.  I've always found mitochondrial genetics very intriguing because the data is preserved from one female generation to the next.  Genetic testing opens up many possibilities both positive and negative.  I'll be sure to post a discussion thread regarding DNA profiling and cloning.

European women are awesome...especially under the influence of psychological medications.  Sorry, I couldn't resist that.  I was the first to start a reply to this segment, but a few posts are already up.  I think I’ve said too much.  Again, thanks Tina.  Let me also take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Birthday.  I'll send you a card next year if you would like.  All my best and my love, goddess of gaming.

(Happy Birthday Tina and Laura!)

DNA testing has certainly been a breakthough in understanding the human genome and providing invaluable medical information, but with any new technology comes the possibility of unethical and immoral practices.

Following through with what Tina mentioned, I would like to hear what anyone has to say about Cloning and DNA profiling.

Its here, the long awaited sequel!  I haven't watched it yet, but I'm already excited

I support the practice of cloning specific cells, tissues, and organs; but I'm against the idea of cloning an entire sentient organism, human or otherwise.

However, I think it would be really awesome to create a genetic carbon copy of a person, even if that clone would never be the same person.  He or she would possess the same genetic predispositions, but personality and mind would be determined by how he or she was raised.  Unless we could actually recreate a whole person as is with memory patterns intact, we could never recreate a specific person...and even if we could, should we?  Still, wouldn't it be nice to have your own personal T-Dub or Thug.  Then again, what rights do clones have, especially if you paid for them?

I've always thought Jango Fett's idea of raising an unaltered clone of yourself was really cool.  A Woman could even carry and deliver such a clone of herself if desired and then raise said clone as a daughter.

I do not support any such ideas, but one cannot deny that the implications are fascinating.  Like stem cell research, I do not believe that an embryo or a group of developing cells constitutes a person.  It is the possibility to become something, but I don't think attempting to harness a possibility for the good of those who already exist is morally or ethically wrong.

I think DNA profiling could really go either way at this point.  It can save countless lives and determine our reaction to certain drugs.  It can tell us how likely we are to develop particular diseases or ailments, but it can also be used against us.

Privacy only goes so far.  What's to stop an employer from investigating your genetic profile and denying you employment or medical benefits on the grounds of your DNA?  The legal establishment is only so powerful.

Corporations could save countless dollars on DNA profiles that deny us medical benefits.  There are no right or wrong answers here.  Just ethics and morals, and money has a way of making those debates disappear.

Tell me about it!  I've been waiting for this for half a year now.