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Pattern Recognition Software Enables MS Blood Test

Posted by timothy on from the not-that-other-ms dept.

ProteomicsWizard writes "Using proteomic spectral pattern recognition software, scientists have described a way to diagnose Multiple Sclerosis from a blood sample. The technology is applicable to other diseases including various cancers. With the technology available for identifying uncureable diseases before they manifest themselves, would you want to know?"

4 of 52 comments (clear)

  1. Ignorance is Bliss? by Elledan · · Score: 2, Interesting

    "With the technology available for identifying uncureable diseases before they manifest themselves, would you want to know?"

    When a cure or treatment is available: usually yes.

    If no cure or treatment is available things become a bit less clear, but what if by the time the illness manifests itself, a cure is available, but it's only effective prior to the first symptoms?

    Sometimes ignorance kills.

    --
    Site & blog: http://www.mayaposch.com
  2. Yes, but... by Schezar · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I would definitly want to know. That way, I could either get the best help as early as possible in order to extend my enjoyable life or, were the time left found to be short, quit my job and go on a bender.

    But...

    I would want strict legislation preventing corporations/insurance providers/employers from getting the results of said tests. You can't tell me with a straight face they wouldn't use such information in hiring/coverage decisions.

    --
    GeekNights!
    Late Night Radio for Geeks!
  3. Hell YES! by HotButteredHampster · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I would feel so stupid if I had the opportunity to know what would kill me and not taken it and the opportunity to take steps to rectify it. Yes, MS is incurable, but "incurable" is only a measure of our current knowledge and ability, not an absolute. Also, some things such as cancer are measures of risk factors, and can be avoided by behaviour modification.

    "Incurable" has a way of changing pretty quickly. Imagine, if you will, the amount of money which would be pumped into MS research if a sitting President found himself (or herself) on the road to developing it?

    Knowledge is power.

    HBH

    --
    "Smart is sexy." -- D. Scully ("War of the Coprophages")
  4. life insurance? by klossner · · Score: 2, Interesting

    If you learn you have this problem, then you can no longer check "no health problems" when applying for life insurance. Otherwise it's fraud -- if the insurer discovers it, they might not pay when you die.