Revolution in health care: Genetic tests will soon detect cancer and dementia early – and for less than €100
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There is no genetic engineering in the plant
But don’t worry: they are genetically modified
Saturday, May 4th, 2024, 7:00 a.m
Read all of your DNA for less than 100 euros and be warned early about cancer, dementia, etc.? This will become reality in just a few years if, according to Prof. Dr. Arndt Rolfs leaves. Longevity expert Nina Ruge explains more about genetic testing for your longevity.
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The future is now: genome sequencing is becoming affordable
“I think in three or four years we will be able to do whole genome sequencing for less than $100.” This statement from Prof. Rolfs reflects the rapid technological progress in genetics. What was once considered an expensive endeavor is well on its way to becoming an everyday and affordable reality. This development opens the door for broader segments of the population to benefit from personalized health data.
About the expert
Nina Ruge is a qualified biologist. She started her over 30-year television career in 1987 at RIAS TV in Berlin. Stations: “heute journal”, “heute Nacht” and “People Today” on ZDF, talk shows and magazines on ARD, Phoenix and 3sat were added. Today she is a specialist author in the field of “cell biology of aging”. Since 2020 she has written four popular science books on this topic, all four of which have been ordered. “Aging can be cured” is her first work, followed by “Rejuvenation is Possible”, “The Rejuvenation Cookbook” and “The Rejuvenation Plan”. She also writes columns, produces podcasts such as “The Short Podcast for a Long Life – Zwegen to the power of two”, gives lectures and develops her own channels on the gigantic research field of “Healthy Longevity”.
Enlightened and informed: The objective approach to genetics
Prof. Rolfs emphasizes the need to convey genetic information objectively and in a well-founded manner in order to change the often fear-driven public discussion: “As scientists, we must also advocate that we approach the topic of genetics in a more content-driven and less fear-driven manner.” This approach promotes a deeper understanding of the genetic data that can influence our lives and helps reduce unnecessary fears.
Preventive measures through genetic knowledge: The example of Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie’s decision to undergo preventative surgery following her genetic test results, which revealed a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, has drawn global attention. These measures dramatically reduced her high risk of breast and ovarian cancer and demonstrated the power of genetics in preventive medicine. Her case clearly illustrates how genetic insights can be actively used to change health outcomes and has sparked a broad discussion about the value of genetic testing for preventive health strategies.
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Genetics and Ethics: Finding a Balance
Despite the great potential of genetic testing, its use also raises ethical questions, particularly with regard to data protection and possible data misuse. Rolfs emphasizes: “Of course, innovation always has a certain risk of misuse, especially in medicine.” He advocates for clear regulations that prevent the misuse of genetic data and at the same time maximize their benefits.
Challenges in interpreting comprehensive genomic data
Whole-genome sequencing, although technically advanced and increasingly accessible, poses significant challenges. The complexity of the data requires specialized knowledge to interpret, and there is currently a shortage of trained geneticists who can undertake this task. In addition, the development of the necessary AI technology to analyze this data is still ongoing, limiting the use of these tests in clinical practice.
Book recommendation (advertisement)
“Rejuvenation is possible: Scientifically researched – what really helps” by Nina Ruge and Dominik doucher
Insight into the world of genetic testing
Let’s understand the different genetic testing methods: SNP analysis is like a quick checkup that looks at specific gene variants to identify risks for certain diseases. Exome sequencing zooms in deeper and looks at the parts of DNA that are responsible for making proteins – giving us valuable clues about possible inherited diseases. The most comprehensive study, genome sequencing, provides a complete picture of our genetic makeup and helps us understand our biological fate.
Genomics in your pocket: The near future
In a vision of the near future, Rolfs sees a world in which every individual knows and uses their genome: “In ten years, 50 percent plus all 30-year-olds will certainly have their genome in their pocket or in the cloud.” This opens up the prospect incredible opportunities for individual health care and could fundamentally change everyone’s relationship with their health.
For a deeper understanding of these topics and more insights, listen to the full conversation on my podcast “staYoung”, available at this link.
Frequently asked questions on this topic
What is the epigenetic clock and how does it work?
The epigenetic clock shows our “biological” age by reading the “stop signs” on our DNA. These control our cellular protein factories and change as we age. Algorithms can be used to detect this age, which determines the actual fitness of…
I have Ruge
Experienced biologist & TV journalist with over 30 years of experience and specialization in the cell biology of aging
Why is the epigenetic clock more precise than our chronological age?
The epigenetic clock responds to lifestyle factors while chronological age is fixed. Healthy lifestyle can slow down the clock. There are also other watches such as “GlycanAge” that measure different aspects of age, and newer watches can…
I have Ruge
Experienced biologist & TV journalist with over 30 years of experience and specialization in the cell biology of aging
How can you “read” your own epigenetic clock?
Epigenetic tests are available online. The more “islands” are read, the more expensive they are. Some tests use saliva, others use blood. The results can come via email or through a doctor. Such tests can show whether you…
I have Ruge
Experienced biologist & TV journalist with over 30 years of experience and specialization in the cell biology of aging
Are there ways to “slow down” the epigenetic clock?
Anything that strengthens our cellular fitness can cause our epigenetic clock to run backwards. Regular endurance sports, strength training, a diet rich in vegetables and low in sugar, “calorie restriction”, i.e. eating less than we are hungry but getting all the nutrients we need, ice bathing and…
I have Ruge
Experienced biologist & TV journalist with over 30 years of experience and specialization in the cell biology of aging
This text comes from an expert from the FOCUS online EXPERTS Circle. Our experts have a high level of specialist knowledge in their subject area and are not part of the editorial team. Learn more.