Cal Close to Revealing Controversial Freshman DNA Profile
BERKELEY, Calif. (KCBS) - UC Berkeley has revised its controversial project to test the DNA of this year's freshman class. Labs are finishing the testing right now, with results expected next week.
The California Health Department instructed UC Berkeley not to provide individual DNA results to students without a doctor's order for a medical diagnosis.
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Mark Schlissel, Dean of Biological Sciences, said that simply wasn't practical. So, instead, Cal will announce aggregate results for the entire incoming class, or at least the 700 or so students who sent in a saliva sample.
Schlissel is declaring the "Bring Your Genes to Cal" program a success. "They read the educational materials, they discussed things with their parents, their friends, their family, in many cases neighbors that have read the media coverage, so the educational value goes beyond the 17% of students who actually spit into the tube and sent a sample back for analysis."
There will be programs throughout the entire year related to the testing, as well as the debate over it.
Next Monday, UC officials will announce the results, with students tested for lactose intolerance as well as how they metabolize alcohol and folic acid.
