This work offers a summary of the book "THE GENOMICS AGE: How DNA Technology Is Transforming the Way We Live and Who We Are" by Gina Smith.Gina Smith explores the ways in which the age of genomics will affect medicine, criminology, academic research and the economy. She explains the areas in which genomics is already having an impact, and highlights future challenges (and challenges, as entrepreneurs know, are often business opportunities). Genetic testing, for example, is currently used to identify diseases. There's also increasing interest in the use of genetic testing to know foetal sex, and appearance. The challenges for genetic testing include cost, ethical considerations and patient rights. Similarly, genomic knowledge has lead to great strides in the battle to remain forever young.Smith concludes that, "[w]ith the astounding pace of genomic discovery, the DNA sciences are moving rapid fire into the future. Yet...it is by no means an easy road ahead. Every day brings more headlines, more vexing terminology, more difficult societal issues. But at this critical juncture - where, for the first time, it is possible for humans to become gods unto themselves - some serious wisdom is required." The Genomics Age is a fascinating introduction to the uses of DNA technology, from a business, societal and ethical perspective. Genomics will affect all of us in the years to come, Smith demonstrates compellingly.
