Your Views: Lifespan blood
Is a blood test that claims to predict when you’ll die a good idea? And would you want to know?
Published On 3 Nov 2011
Medical researchers believe that similar blood tests will become widespread within the next five or 10 years [Getty] |
Scientists have developed a blood test that they claim will tell you how much longer you have to live.
The test will be able to tell a person’s biological age by measuring the length of their telomeres, the repetitive DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes.
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The inventors claim the test is accurate in detecting short telomeres, which are linked with age-related diseases and premature death.
The test, which is set to go on sale in Britain later this year, is predicted to cause a ripple effect of ethical concerns, and perhaps health consciousness.
Is this test a good idea? Would you want to know how long you’ve got to live?