Human beings and other organisms carry hereditary material, scientifically referred to as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
Technology and science have used this data innovatively to vary human life for the higher. Below are a number of the ways DNA science has changed the planet and improved life.
1. Key Aid in Crime Investigation
Crime may be a constant nuisance globally and therefore the desire to regulate crime and make safer societies is shared by most governments. Making fair judgments may be a delicate process and lots of innocent people are convicted while criminals have walked free. DNA profiling has made it possible to link criminals to crime scenes and hasten their prosecution. Similarly, innocent suspects already serving jail terms have received their freedom when the important culprits are found.
In one among the century’s high-profile ruling, DNA testing proved the innocence of the “Central Park Five”, five boys falsely accused and imprisoned for the rape and brutalization of a jogging woman. When the important culprit, Matias Reyes took blame for the crime, his DNA matched specimens from the crime scene and therefore the boys earned their freedom.
2. Accurate Establishment of Paternity
There are various circumstances that make it necessary to prove a child’s real parents beyond reasonable doubt. a number of these scenarios include:
- Determining legal parenthood- within the absence of a wedding certificate, some states require DNA evidence to determine the daddy before their name can appear in their child’s certificate.
- Settling paternity disputes- Some men may dispute fathering a toddler while in some cases; women might bar men from seeing their children, claiming they’re not their biological fathers. Because of DNA testing, it’s easy to prove or disprove paternity.
- Helping adult adoptees find closure-Most adopted children have a desire to understand their real parents once they grow and DNA tests turn their desire into reality.
- Solving inheritance disputes-DNA testing is useful where individuals claim to be the biological children of a dead person to be included in their estate.
3. Sperm Evaluation to Solve Infertility
While the bulk of individuals find it relatively easy to conceive, some couples have difficulty and need medical assistance to procreate. Sperm DNA fragmentation testing can identify the likelihood of natural conception for such couples. Where the chances are low, doctors will recommend lifestyle changes or IVF. With IVF, the doctor collects the healthiest sperm cells to inject into an egg and lift the probabilities of a pregnancy.
4. Specimen Identification
Unlabeled or unidentified specimens pose a challenge across various industries. As an example, researchers may forget to label a number of their research material. With DNA science, labeling specimen is straightforward and provides accuracy.
Inaccurate labeling is expensive and may cause lawsuits, especially where the outcomes pose danger to the well-being of others. DNA barcoding is beneficial where there are mislabeling concerns likely to steer to ambiguity and fraud. An example is mislabeled seafood, where consumers may have little knowledge and should purchase some varieties at exorbitant prices.
5. Reconstructing History
The history of mankind remains an intriguing subject for several people and DNA testing has played an important role in answering a number of the past’s puzzles. Ancient DNA has helped determine migratory patterns of ancient civilizations and their interaction over the years.
DNA science has also played a serious role in identifying prominent historical figures just like the Egyptian pharaohs. Through DNA technology, scientists have proven the existence of striking similarities across ethnicities, demystifying race and creating a world where different races can co-exist. You can trace your ancestral lineage through DNA testing from services like CRI Genetics.
6. Manufacture of Genetically Engineered Medication
Genetic engineering has made it possible for medical researchers to make life saving medication like insulin, used for the treatment and management of diabetes. Additionally, genetics has played an instrument in creating virus-free Factor 8, a protein liable for blood-clotting, an important mechanism that saves lives after events like car crashes or surgery. Artificial human somatotropin developed similarly aids within the management of preterm babies, chronic renal disorder, short bowel syndrome and muscle-wasting disease; common with HIV patients.
7. Improving Crop Quality and Food Security
Food security is becoming a major concern everywhere on the planet thanks to an ever-increasing population and climate changes affecting rainfall patterns and distribution. Using genetic modification, scientists can select ideal genes liable for creating resistance needed for hardy crops and increase their yield potential.
The type of genetically modified resistance sought by agricultural companies includes:
• Herbicide resistance-This makes certain crops immune to certain herbicides. When the herbicide is sprayed on the crop, it only kills the undesired vegetation like weeds, leaving the crop intact.
• Insect resistance-Agricultural companies select genes with a high resistance to insect invasions, reducing the quantity of expenditure on pesticides.
• Viral resistance-Through genetics, some plants are immune to viruses which normally affect their indigenous variations.
Some common genetically modified crops include corn, potato, soya and zucchini. Also, DNA selection plays an important role in developing resistant herds of cattle and enhances creation of high-yielding dairy cows.
8. Control of Communicable Diseases
Disease outbreaks can greatly decimate sections of the population and are every practitioner’s worst nightmare. DNA vaccine technology, a comparatively new concept, is poised to play an important role in the creation of modern vaccines, to tackle diseases and pandemics.
Scientists are vouching for DNA vaccines for a spread of reasons, including:
• Stability favoring storage and shipping
• Fast production process
• Safe as they are microorganism-free
• Lower chances of experiencing side effects
DNA vaccines work by triggering an immune reaction to guard the body against bacteria, neoplastic cells, parasites and viruses. While use in humans isn’t approved yet, a DNA vaccine for horses to enhance protection against the West Nile Virus has received the green light.
DNA technology has revolutionized many aspects of human existence and with several ongoing studies; the longer term looks bright for the industry. Despite facing various challenges, researchers are racing against the clock to supply revolutionary innovation in important sectors like medicine and food security, to leave the planet a far better place.
