It is astounding how just a single strand of DNA can provide an enormous amount of clues about a living organism — how it will grow, its characteristics, even the probability of contracting certain diseases.
Since the 1980’s, scientists have unlocked the secrets of DNA to help uncover the mysteries of life — be it in the human, plant, or animal kingdom. In these modern times, the applications of DNA testing continue to expand and grow despite being met with controversial issues along the way.
The most widely known use of DNA testing perhaps, is its application in solving police crimes and body identification as popularized by television and the movies. Through a series of lab tests, forensic psychologists try to match blood, saliva, or hair to suspected criminals and to help identify a dead body. DNA testing has proven to be invaluable in investigating criminal cases such as rape and murder. But most importantly, DNA testing is not just being used to sentence criminals. It has also exposed the limitations of the justice system by helping to exonerate individuals who have been wrongfully convicted.
Aside from solving criminal cases, another interesting use of DNA testing is determining the relationship of an individual to an alleged sibling, parent, or grandparent. If you are suspecting that someone is a long-lost brother or sister, or if you want proof that someone who is claiming to be a cousin is telling the truth, a simple DNA test is all it takes to answer your questions and lay your doubts to rest. Paternity DNA testing is especially helpful in settling legal disputes such as child support and custody, inheritance, and immigration issues that depend much on proving family relationships. DNA testing is also one way to find out about your genetic origins — for example, to determine if you have European or African-American blood.
In the medical field, DNA testing has greatly helped in pushing forward studies related to life-threatening illnesses. Recent lab tests have shown that DNA fragments found in urine can give important clues in the early detection of tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, and even cancer. DNA testing can also help predict how much a person is prone to acquiring certain diseases.
When it comes to scientific research, DNA testing has enabled scientists to find groundbreaking discoveries that make us better understand the evolution of life on planet Earth. DNA studies have provided us with explanations on what makes us different or what makes us similar to other living organisms, and how our ancestors have adjusted to make survival possible as Earth went through its own evolution. With time and with advancements in technology, DNA studies have also been useful in helping us slowly fill the gaps and piece together the puzzle of our long genetic history.
The study of plant life has also benefited much from DNA testing. Scientists are now creating “genetic maps” of certain kinds of trees to study if their genes can be altered or modified. Scientists are hopeful that this will pave the way to produce a new breed of trees that can respond better to drought, pests, or climatic changes.
DNA testing has come a long way from being used just for purposes of identification. The scope of its benefits has reached far beyond the study of the human evolution. Researchers from every field are using it to develop scientific and medical processes that could further improve not just the living condition of the human species, but plants and animals as well. With all the exciting possibilities that it offers, DNA testing might be our one existing hope to help humankind find the means in achieving a balance — the secret of existing in harmony with nature.
