Detecting Disease Through Your Genes

Researchers led by Doctor Krassen Dimitrov at the University of Queensland have developed a new technique for mapping gene expression which could allow diseases to be diagnosed before any symptoms develop.
The technique involves mixing flourescent 'nanostrings', which bind to RNA molecules, with the subject's blood. The order of different coloured nanostrings can tell researchers which gene they are looking at. The different genes are then counted and inventoried digitally, giving a clear picture of gene expression in the subject. This will give a good idea of what the body is doing when the test is done. It is much more accurate than older teqniques such as DNA microarrays, which use a less clear analogue measuring system.
According the Doctor Dimitrov, this technique could be used to predict and prevent disease before any symptoms appear.