Breakthrough for screening genetic diseases

Scientists have mapped the complete DNA of an unborn baby using just the mother’s blood.

The breakthrough could, in future, allow doctors to test for a range of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis without the need of the father.

Researchers at the University of Stanford in California managed the task using material found circulating only in the mother’s blood.

Current techniques used to detect genetic diseases in unborn babies require invasive sampling, which carries certain risks to the health of the mother and child.

Given the huge interest in medical innovations, and the need to take those innovations to market, perhaps this is worth looking into.