Genetic Passports for Russians

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted May 26, 2007 in DNA Around the World

The Russian Institute of General Genetics is advising “genome registration” for criminals. Russian-InfoCentre reports that several Russian cities already issue “genetic passports” containing info on two to three dozen genes for people who are wishing to get married.

In January 2006 at the meeting of the Presidium of Russian Academy of Sciences, scientists discussed the use of genetic passports to:

• Assess and reduce risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer
• Prevent neurodegenerative diseases
• Analyze neurophysiological characteristics of an individual at the molecular level
• Identify newborns who are susceptible to allergens, medications and other “agents”
• Examine genetic variants of the central nervous system to “reveal future abilities”
• Promote personalized medicine
• Collect genetic biometric data on the Russian population
• Unambiguously identify anyone

Nikolay Plate, vice-president of the Russian Academy of Sciences, expressed concern over whether the healthcare system could handle an influx of genetic data. He also worried about unspecified “career problems.” There was no mention of genetic privacy violations.

Good to see that Russian scientists are interested in genetics and DNA technology. Not so good to see that they are portrayed as believing in genetic determinism. Doubly not good that they may use genetic data to conduct surveillance on its citizens.

Tags: genetics, genes, dna, genome, genomics, privacy, russia, medicine, health, personalized medicine

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9 Comments

Comment by Steve Murphy MD

2007-05-26 22:37:21

Hsien,
Maybe the Russians can partner with Google and 23 and Me too?

-Steve
http://www.thegenesherpa.blogspot.com

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Comment by Hsien

2007-05-27 12:04:15

Steve, You are soooo bad. Give people a chance, will ya?

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Comment by Steven Murphy MD

2007-05-27 16:25:48

I know…I know……. But you gotta admit that it makes for a great movie!!!
-Steve
http://www.thegenesherpa.blogspot.com

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Comment by Hsien

2007-05-27 18:00:54

Totally Tom Clancy material!! Or Michael Crichton….

 

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Comment by Rick

2007-05-26 23:11:30

Boy decides he wants to go the next step with his long time girlfriend.

Boy: “Hey, I’ve been thinking about asking you something, but before I do, would you mind I take a look at your passport?”

Girl: “Oh sure, honey! Here you go.”

Boy: “Uhm, ok…” (and he hands back her passport)

Girl: “So, what where you thinking about…?”

Boy: “Ah! Nothing really! Wanna grab a burger?”

Moral of the story? Nobody wants damaged goods, so to speak.

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Comment by Hsien

2007-05-27 12:04:42

Rick, Glad I’m not in the market to be your girlfriend! hehee

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Comment by Rick

2007-05-27 17:37:18

I knew I was being harsh. But I was just trying to make a point.

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Comment by Hsien

2007-05-27 17:58:33

lol It’s good to be picky about life partners anyway.

 

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Pingback by DNA Passports for Canadians — Eye on DNA

2007-05-28 21:17:47

[...] two days ago, I thought the Russian government was crazy for issuing “genetic passports.” But as it turns out (as it often does), I’m the one who’s naive. A white paper [...]

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