We’re continuing our analysis of the future of genomics. For those who are curious, please visit Traitwell.com. Be sure to check out our free apps.
Genomic information can be turned actionable at an individual level by using the second of the two principles of aggregation described above: aggregation over a large number of traits. Suppose we have a large collection of traits, each of which may be modestly or weakly predicted from genetic information. Also suppose that each of these is of interest and valuable to a person (discard those which are not).
Construct a recommender system based on that collection of traits. In aggregate, because there are so many traits comprehended, a series of recommendations to the same individual will show positive value. With careful construction, this will be noticeable to that individual over time and the service will be positively valued. Since as we have stated all traits are heritable to some extent, they will all fall under this scheme eventually and contribute to the overall strength of large aggregates.
Imagine a future experience where all of your choices were enhanced not exploited by your genetics.
Decisions which are candidates for such a system include all known avenues of genetic influence: what to eat and when, where to shop, which drugs and medicines to take, which films to watch, what music to listen to, which clothes and colours to wear, which sunglasses to try, which eyeglass frames where, which car to drive where, which airline to fly where, which museums to visit, which computing devices to buy, which books, newspapers and magazines to read, and so on (for friends and mates, see below). Genes influence the satisfaction afforded by all of these choices and many more. This is to take pervasive genetic influence seriously and leverage it positively. The scientific basis for these recommendations will steadily grow over time and can be bolstered by reinforcement learning schemes, using feedback from the users themselves.
Many users will find such advice valuable. Modern life overwhelms with nuisance choices, as a side-effect of contrived product differentiation among competitors. Not everybody is pleased by this; there is a neurosis of choice. Absolving people of needless decisions simplifies things for many of them. Others may not prefer this, and will elect to go their own way—well and good, such a service may not be for them. At the very least such a system will augment the ability to make choices by narrowing alternatives.
To date, few genetic services offer any advice that is actionable and not just descriptive. That will change rapidly as the possibilities for leveraging information become evident. Working systems will integrate many different elements, including centralized repositories and mobile devices.
The reason I won’t have my DNA tested is because the oppressive totalitarian CCP government is collecting DNA for some reason. If the CCP thinks having everyone’s DNA catalogued is crucial to controlling its citizens, it make me suspicious of what my government would do with any information collected from my DNA. If I have a genetic marker for Huntington’s Chorea will I be denied life-saving but expensive cancer treatment? Or will my DNA be used to track my every movement? Will my children be forbidden to have children because their DNA indicates something undesirable about their heritage?
I am curious about my genealogy. I see tremendous upside to knowing the things the author talks about, but not at any cost.
“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”
This sounds horrible. I like a lot of your writings… but this FOG is not helping us move into the future, where we need to be less entranced by technologies. I would not invest 1 penny or give 1 ounce of energy to the thought of such exploits. The way to go: increase the humility and decrease the arrogance of humans and their technology. Focus on reduction of consumption, materialism, and preservation of remaining nature at all costs - because, as we have found with assaults on the global environment (species loss, ozone depletion, plastics in every living creature...) we have no f..ing idea what we are creating and destroying. Hint #1 and #2 technologies to develop? Humility and low impact civilizations.