liveonearth: (Default)
liveonearth ([personal profile] liveonearth) wrote2008-11-25 05:40 pm
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Hereditary Diseases now more detectable in utero

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7742873.stm
A new serum testing technique allows researchers to compare the mothers genes with the child's, and get a better idea if the child will inherit any of several hereditary diseases. In Britain 1/25 people carries the gene for cystic fibrosis. Up until now the only way to test for CF in a fetus was amniocentesis. The new genetic testing can also detect beta thalassemia or sickle cell disease.