Published: 28/05/2015
Your iPhone could become a tool for DNA testing. Apple is considering using the iPhone for genetic studies. Apple is currently collaborating with researchers in the US to create apps to let iPhone users to perform DNA-based studies using their devices as the platform.
Such apps are based on the ResearchKit software platform recently introduced by Apple. The ResearchKit helps scientists and hospitals easily recruit willing participants out of the 750 million current iPhone users. The sensors of the the device is used to collect data which makes it easier to run medical studies.
The initial 5 ResearchKit apps include mPower that can effectively track Parkinson’s disease symptoms. It has successfully recruited participants and demonstrated the significant reach of the platform. After the launching of the ResearchKit, Apple received an incredible response.
Hence, the next highly anticipated thing is the collection of DNA. The iPhone users would have to submit to DNA independently to a testing lab. The results are returned to the client who can decided to share it with researcher using an iPhone app. This is expected to drive devices of Apple into genetic information. DNA testing is expected to be Prominent technology in the near future. Companies such as universities and laboratories are studying genetic information in order to understand various diseases.
According to appleinsider.com, the app is expected to be finished by June 8. Apple will not test or collect DNA directly. This will actually be performed by their academic partners. Thus, data will also be kept by the scientists through a “computing cloud.”
Apple has sold 60 million iPhone units within the first 3 months of 2015 and this contributed to 750 million overall. This only means that DNA studies in terms of the ResearchKit can eventually or theoretically have a swift as well as immense reach.
Still, the issue for Apple is if the consumers will be interested in their DNA. Some people actually have their ideas. Just imagine this. Consumers can conveniently swipe their genes when filling out their prescription in drugstores while receiving a warning if they are predicted to get a certain reaction from that drug.
Perhaps, an app can efficiently calculate how directly related they are to someone else, but apparently, the planned studies are mostly concerned about helping the researchers. They, in fact, need people who can willingly donate their DNAs. One motivation is for them to have their DNAs on their iPhones where they can “play with it.”
The anticipation of the possibility that iPhones can help in the collection of DNA is still under the circumstances if Apple will pursue such feature on their devices.
Canada (english)