Decorative DNA: Will California Ban Genomic Wall Art?
Some healthcare initiatives are fun in addition to work..current research includes designing a concept hospital for Nexthealth 2009.
In designing a dream hospital, I get to think about all the things that may personalize the hospital care environment. Luckily, there are quite a few improvements to be made, so brainstorming about the “hospital of the future” is a valuable way to pass time.
As I waited for my baby niece Ellen (happy birthday!) to join the air-breathing sector this morning, I paged through some art/architecture/shelter publications. Dwell Magazine is normally one of my favorite go-to sources to stimulate design -storming, and the June 2008 issue is no exception.
As I was flipping through the “Modern Market” section, looking for art and sculpture, I noticed a company I’ve circled before -www.dna11.com.
The firm puts a whole new spin on “personalized medicine.”
Printed on “high quality canvas”, the firm sends “an easy to use kit” to send in DNA. Swab your cheek, send out the package, and receive a “piece…as unique as you are.” Prices begin at $390 USD.
The process for gene-gathering is similar to firms that test genes for disease predictions, including 23andme - just follow these instructions.
With the great state of California sending cease and desist letters to direct-to-consumer genetics testing firms earlier this week, the implications of this product line struck with new import. Wired Magazine has the best coverage of a health story I’ve seen this year here, including copies of the letters sent.
Now, to adhere to the letter of the law, would California have to send a letter to DNA11 ordering them to stop processing kit samples that arrive without a doc’s prescription?
And just how ridiculous does this sort of legal snafu make the CA action seem? When do our bodies stop being “ourselves” our own?
How can larger parts of our anatomy be “ours,” and yet access to our subatomic score, our very genetic composition be blocked, requiring us to go through a gatekeeper physician who must write us an order?
I own my DNA, and you’re going to legislatively prevent me from putting it on my wall?
What about framing a lock of baby hair? Or putting a first tooth on display? Will these demonstrations of ‘my body, myself’ soon be illegal? Who’s going to come after me if I save fingernail clippings?
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[...] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptPrinted on “high quality canvas”, the firm sends “an easy to use kit” to send in DNA. Swab your cheek, send out the package, and receive a “piece…as unique as you are.” Prices begin at $390 USD. The process for gene-gathering is similar … [...]