For the First Time, DNA Sequencing Technology Saves A Child's Life
A 3-D Model of a DNA Binding Protein Attaching to DNA widdowquinn via Flickr Proponents of genetic medicine say DNA sequencing is the future of medicine and that soon every truly sick person will have his or her genome sequenced. Critics cite privacy concerns and note that genetic mutations and variations don't necessarily lead to medical outcomes. Whatever the position, it's hard to argue that this isn't good news: the first child - plagued by undiagnosable illness - has been saved by DNA sequencing. That may be a bit of a strong statement - six-year-old Nicholas Volker is doing well, though complications could soon arise. But it's highly likely that the sequencing of young Nicholas's genome saved his life. The boy had struggled since he was a toddler with an intestine that was horribly inflamed, prompting the removal of his colon as well as roughly a hundred other surgeries. His doctors couldn't...