The scientific discovery of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) by James Watson (Untied States) and Francis Crick (England) is arguably the most significant discovery of the last century. The effect of this discovery is that it has enabled scientists to understand the structure and functioning of DNA and the scientific and medical progress has rapidly advanced as it has lead to the manufacturing of medications or drugs to combat devastating diseases. Another benefit to the discovery of DNA is that it has the ability to identify genes that can cause such diseases. With the ability to be able to read how our genes are expressed offers the promise of advanced medical treatments, but it will certainly require considerable work to generate, understand, organize, and apply this massive amount of data to human disease. …show more content…
By testing for common genetic variations or changes in your DNA, commonly referred to as single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs (pronounced: “snips”), consumers can understand more about their personal biology, and take more proactive control of their health and wellbeing. Pathway Genomics’ (a company) genetic health report can inform a person about a variety of health conditions including a person’s tolerance to certain medications, predisposition to health events such as chronic conditions like allergies and asthma to disease such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, as well as carrier status. With Pathway Genomics’ genetic ancestry report a person can uncover information about their family’s ancestral