Cracking Your Genetic Code

“Know thyself" is a famous dictum ascribed to the ancient philosopher Socrates. But if you could know your genetic code, and the attendant risks for yourself and your children, would you still want that knowledge, even if you couldn't do anything about it? New technology may soon be able to map a complete digital record of an individual's genome sequence, revealing probabilities of a person's chance of contracting such dread diseases as Parkinson's, cystic fibrosis, breast and ovarian cancer, and heart disease. Filmmaker Sarah Holt's PBS-aired NOVA documentary takes viewers on a trip through the brave new world of DNA sequencing, where the expensive process can put the "burden of knowing" in the hands of the patient. Although some companies are rushing to enter this potentially lucrative market, there are plenty of warning flags and cautions worth noting here. A patient's right to privacy could be compromised, the doctor-patient relationship could be negatively affected, and information could be used (and abused) by health insurance companies or potential employers. The film notes that the sharing of genetic information could result in gender testing in the search for "designer babies." On the other hand, while there are ethical dilemmas, the science also holds out the hope that life-devastating illnesses might be managed, and perhaps even that genetic diseases could be detected or eliminated before birth. Interviewing doctors, researchers, and patients with a stake in cracking their genetic code, this documentary not only helps to clarify a complicated subject but should also spark spirited debate about this upcoming revolution in medicine. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)