Molecular genealogy could be the wave of the future for linking individuals together in "family trees" based on genetic markers.

With a tablespoon of blood, the DNA of an individual can determine the relatedness of individuals, families, tribal groups, and populations.

But like any new technology, it has the potential to be both good and evil.

Benefits of genetic testing

At BYU, Scott Woodward, director of the Molecular Genealogy Research Group, and research assistants are collaborating to construct a global genetic database to be used for genealogical purposes.

When the database is complete, people will be able to trace their genealogical lines through their genes. This type of linking will help identify persons who are unable to be identified by traditional methods.

The genetic database could theoretically help identify dismembered victims, such as in the Sept. 11 attacks.

To identify individuals, forensic scientists scan about 10 DNA regions that vary from person to person. Researchers then use the data to create a DNA profile, unique to each person, according to ornl.gov.

This technology will also allow identification of those involved in cases such as rapes and murders where DNA samples are available.

Prosecutors would thrive off of the information available from a genetic database because it would identify the perpetrator, said Marguerite Driessen, associate professor of law at BYU, who teaches the criminal law and evidence class.

"It would be like a fingerprint database," Driessen said.

Hypothetically, prosecutors would only need to match a suspect's DNA with any traces of evidence found at the crime scene. But, this type of matching could discount the legal processes necessary in proving someone's innocence, she said.

Driessen said she questions the practicability of using such an incriminating method to catch criminals.

She said her biggest concern is who will have access to personal information.

"There are problems with confidentially," Driessen said. "Who would have access and how are they going to gather and tabulate the DNA."

Consequences of genetic testing

Genetic testing reveals a person's genetic coding, including physical characteristics and any genetic mutations, including the likelihood of genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and Hunington's disease.

With this information about diseases, people could prepare for the onset of the disease, but the information could also be used by companies to discriminate.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1999 includes prohibiting the use of genetic information for the basis of health insurance policies.

If companies had access to this information, it could alter insurance policies based on genetic data.

According to Allstate Insurance agent Jeff Rotz, genetic testing would be a benefit to their business.

"I think that insurance companies' main focus, being a business, especially a big business, is number one, the client and number two, is not paying a huge loss. If (genetic testing) was a tool, that would be something that we would use," Rotz said.

However, access to genetic data with certain limits could be the next step.

"There are certain other diseases that aren't life threatening, and it would be unfair to predispose a person because of these diseases," he said.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1999 also prohibits using genetic information in the hiring and rewarding process.



Copyright Brigham Young University 11 Nov 2001