US University Halts DNA Plans

Under the University of California, Berkeley programme called “Bring Your Genes to Cal” around 5,500 people had been sent testing kits for them to submit saliva swabs.

Three of their genes were to be analysed for the ability to break down lactose, metabolise alcohol, and absorb folic aid. Those who supplied a swab would then learn their results confidentially through a website for which they would be given a special code..

Aimed at students starting in 2014 the scheme was to be the first mass genetic testing carried out by a university and 700 people had already returned swabs.'

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