·      Two summers ago I had an internship at the National Health Institute that introduced me to genetic research and sparked my interest in the field.

·      Recently I came across a product that takes a sample of DNA and, using breakthroughs in bioinformatics, is able to tell the customer thousands of innate characteristics suggested in his or her genetic code. The Personal DNA Testing Kit makes predictions ranging from a client’s chance of contracting a specific disease to what foods the client likes best. I found this product fascinating and am interested in exploring its implications, in science and society.

·      Sell the products the website offers.

·      Educate people about how DNA and genes work to define who they are.
·      Motivate people to take an interest in genetic research.
·      Introduce genetics potential use in different areas of society:

With the rapidly expanding field of bioinformatics there will be more and more gene based tests and products, both medical and commercial, introduced into society. However, many people are not familiar with genetics or do not believe the field is developed enough to generate reliable products. This website will attempt acclimate the public with current and soon to be available genetic services and try and verify their legitimacy.

·      Effectively address the social and ethical implications that DNA analysis poses.

·      Home:

o   Describe the purpose of the website while sparking an interest in genetic research

o   Advertise the products

·      DNA = Blueprints:

o   Genetics 101

o   Make the user familiar with the function of DNA, Genes, RNA, etc. (Most likely through video)

·      History of Genetic Research:

1.     Brief history of genetics

2.     Significant discoveries in the field

·      Genetic Research As it Stands Today:

1.     Current research in genetics

2.     Applications of genetic analysis already being utilized
3.     What researchers hope for in the future

·      Genetics of the Future (Assignment 1):

1.     The role genetics can potentially play in society (Medical, Social, Commercial)

·      Social and Ethical Issues:

o   Dedicated to addressing the most significant issues that this innovative technology raises.

·      Products:

o   Compare the genetic testing kits currently on the market (Since there are only three DNA testing kits on the market today and they differ significantly in reliability, I might promote one particular product over the others)

o   Allow the user to purchase a product

·      Contact Us

·      Related Links:

o   Connect user to interesting publications about genetic research and articles that discuss gene testing kits

1.     The gene testing kits advertised on this website assert that they can predict, with some accuracy, a persons natural tastes, talents, and even probable cause of death. As research continues, these tests will become more effective and their predictions will hold greater and greater weight. By simply spitting into a tube, individuals will discover huge amounts of personal information about themselves. However, an enormous part of life is the pursuit of such personal truths. People gradually become acquainted with their skills, passions, and tendencies by exploring all the experiences the world has to offer. If people can discover these characteristics in an afternoon it could rob them of many of the experiences naturally needed to have these self-realizations and the fulfillment that come with them.

2.     These genetic tests also raise the invasion of privacy to a whole new level. The promise of these genetic testing kits is that they are able to ascertain huge amounts of information about an individual through a small sample of DNA. Genetic analysis lends itself to abuse, tearing down any barriers keeping the sensitive information in ones genetic makeup hidden from preying eyes. The effectiveness of these kits should be limited or the information they can give should be restricted to facts that cannot be used against an individual.

o   Due to the rapidly developing field of bioinformatics this website will need to be updated regularly. The website should be up to date on significant developments in genetic research as well as newly released products.
o   The Social and Ethical Issues page will need to address any future concerns that come to light as genetic products become more common in society. An improvement to this specific page would also be a forum where people could discuss such issues.
Placing Advertisements
o   Companies that sell DNA testing kits
o   Search engines (keywords: Genetics in Society, Predicting disease susceptibility, commercial DNA tests, etc.)
o   Other websites that discuss genetic innovations and their role in society.