Milunsky (2001) notes that when it comes to health it is important researchers focus on discovering the genes that result in specific genetic illnesses so more precise diagnostic models may emerge and provide tools for proper treatment and prevention. New research in gene therapy consistently works to help create additional opportunities for creating more effective detection and diagnosis as well as treatment of diseases, many of which have a prenatal link. Gene research of the future will likely focus more on the ethical nature of genet

The authors note that growing interest in genetic testing should spurn more knowledge of the relevance cancer genes and presentation may have on patient's survival and mitigation of patient risks when assessing patient treatment outcomes. As in the previous study discussed, the authors propose that more genetic testing and exploration may help identify risk factors or candidates more likely to respond well and survive to certain treatments over others. Further testing may help predict long term survival rates in individuals carrying various genetic mutations, and may according to the authors aid health care workers whose role includes counseling and managing "high risk patients" (Berry et al. 2000).

Though much of the research presented suggested researchers were in favor of testing, I also managed to focus on the potential ethical considerations that may impact the field of genetic testing in the future. The research gathered for this study is also very uniform in nature, providing various perspectives on similar disorders. This helped focus the research and provide greater insight into a specific field or fields of genetics and the human condition.

Where does the future of genetics lie with regard to genetic disease in humans? Brown (2001) suggests that in the future, multiple advances in fields including biology, biochemistry and genetics will allow scientists to "alter the genes of human beings and developing embryos" in predictable and very elaborate ways that will continue to present human beings with new moral challenges (83). The author also asserts that theories of justice will continue to remain a "fixed fact of nature" related to genetic studies and that scientists will continue to help discover new ways for conceptualizing genetic testing and experimentation (Brown, 83). The author encourages new ways of thinking about genetic investigation, suggesting that John Rawls's theory provides a framework for doing so suggesting that technologies may be used positively to help correct genetic deficits leading to disease and new technology will continue to provide safe and effective methods of manipulating genetics in a positive manner (Brown, 2001).

There are many possibilities for future experiments and studies. Boyle (1995) notes that multiple opportunities will surface for scientists to "predict, cure and prevent disease" using genetic technology (2). These new areas of exploration may include "preimplantation genetic testing" offering patients the ability to detect and treat disease states early on (Boyle, 1995). Genetic testing and technology may also allow researchers to design new genetic therapies and drugs for combating common diseases. Some of the research available suggests that prenatal testing ma allow detection of inherited mental conditions and determine in advance how the condition may express itself (Boyle, 1995). Such abilities however, also give rise to multiple moral questions surrounding the use of genetic technology in medicine.

Even more studies are suggesting genetic research may help uncover cures and treatments for diseases that currently plague mankind in various ways. Parson & Tanzi (2000) note for example that gene therapy may provide new avenues for treating formerly untreatable diseases like Alzheimer's. Cavalli-Sforza, Menozzi & Piazza (1994) also note that human gene studies are consistently evolving and changing. As diseases continue to adapt and mutate in response to new treatments, geneticists will continue to have to work diligently to uncover new areas of treatment and tackle new questions with respect to gene therapy. The future of gene therapy, while promising, remains unclear. There is still much controversy regarding the use of genetic testing particularly with respect to prenatal diagnosis, testing and research. Nonetheless, there is still ample support among various communities for exploring the link between genes and the human condition. It is likely that as more

Some common words found in the essay are:
Using Cox, Overview Crabbe, Menozzi Piazza, Summary Literature, John Rawls's, Parson Tanzi, Literature Review, Alzheimer's Parkinson's, , genetic testing, genetic research, breast cancer, et al, crabbe 2002, alcohol abuse, affective disorders, gene therapy, disease humans, flury et al, gene research, et al 2002, genetic testing diagnosis, et al 2000, genetic disease humans, Cavalli-Sforza Menozzi,
Approximate Word count = 2988
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page double spaced)