Researchers explore uses of a genetic report card

Researchers are recruiting 1,000 healthy members of the Health Alliance Plan in Michigan to examine them for 15 common genetic variations that raise their risk for disease. The scientists want to know if a genetic report card can prompt healthy people to take action to avoid a disease if they are at a higher risk. Participants will get counseling and receive the report in the mail, though it will not become part of their medical record.

- read the USA Today report

ALSO: Researchers have identified a genetic trait common in half of all Caucasians that raises their risk of heart disease. One copy of a gene mutation of Chromosome 9 raised the risk of heart disease by 15 percent to 20 percent while two copies raised the risk by 60 percent. Report

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