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Genetics and Health

Dermagenetics and DNA-Selected Products

by Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD on March 1st, 2006

The market for products and services custom designed using information on customers’ genetic make-up is booming. Christina Jones of eBeautyDaily told me today about Dermagenetics: “clinically proven DNA customized skin care.” My first thought (because I just moved to London) was: BOLLOCKS!

Unlike Sciona, another company offering DNA-tailored diet advice, I was unable to find on the Dermagenetics website any information on which specific gene variants they were testing for. The most detail I could find on the DNA testing was:

At the special laboratory a scientifically selected panel of SNPs is analyzed. The SNP technology is so precise that each assay measures only one unit of DNA out of 3 billion units! The Dermagenetics™ SNP panel incorporates an analysis of key skin health genes which code for enzymes that are part of our natural skin cell repair and defense mechanisms.

A lot of scientific jargon to tell us nothing.

Since there is obviously a lot of money to be made, I was brainstorming other potential business proposals that use individuals’ DNA data to determine:

  1. Most suitable TV shows (wouldn’t want a person with violent tendencies to watch action movies that get them revved up).
  2. Most stimulating brain exercises, e.g., Sudoku vs. crossword puzzles
  3. Nicest smelling perfume (body chemistry plays a large role)
  4. Flattering clothing colors based on subtle hues in the skin tone
  5. Comfortable furniture (if you have genes that encode for a wide butt, you’d get a wider seat)
  6. Computer and office configuration taking into account genetic tendency to develop carpal tunnel or lower back pain

What other DNA-guided products can you think of?

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POSTED IN: Genetic Testing

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