X-Message-Number: 18835
From: "John de Rivaz" <>
Subject: 
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 12:57:41 -0000

From Infobeat:

>>>
Funeral Homes Offering DNA Storage

Looking up your family's genealogy may be literally a genetic affair.
Programs are being offered by an increasing number of funeral homes to store
the DNA of deceased loved ones.

When families request the service, the funeral homes take DNA samples such
as a strand of hair or oral swab and have them sent for DNA analysis,
reports the Associated Press.

The availability of a DNA sample could not only help future generations know
whether they are prone to any number of diseases, but also genetic material
could be used for gene therapy in which a person's existing, defective gene
could be replaced with a better one.

While storing the DNA itself typically costs little, actually having a
genetic profile made from a sample can run several hundred dollars, and
running diagnostic tests on conditions like breast or colon cancer can run
into the thousands.

One such DNA screening company, the Cincinnati-based DNA Analysis Inc.,
reports that it already has several hundred funeral home clients.
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