i Editor's Letter: A home genetics test? Think I’ll give it a miss

Will you resist the lure of a home genetics test? Quick saliva swab, £125 payment, then sign in to your online page a few weeks later to read the analysis of 100 health and personal traits.

Britain is a world leader in genetic research, and our growing understanding of the genetic basis of various diseases is already transforming treatments. It was only a matter of a few years before genetics testing became cheap enough for Joe Punter to dabble. That day is upon us. Today, a test by 23andMe goes on sale in Britain, despite a crackdown on it in the US.

While consumer genetic testing can get messy – accidentally exposing skeletons in the family closet, for example – the reality is that these kits are here to stay.

The boss of 23andMe argues that the test will “empower” people to make informed choices about their health and lifestyle, if they realise they may be more susceptible to Alzheimer’s, cancer or diabetes. Maybe. But the test doesn’t offer certainties – just identifies risks – so some people will only be empowered to worry. I’ll give it a miss.

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What do you say to a stranger who saves your life? It’s my favourite article in today’s paper.

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Lastly, what do under-25s think of Ukip? Not that much, according to opinion polling. But we’ll get to find out tonight for real when Nigel Farage takes part in the second Leaders Live debate with young people, hosted by Bite the Ballot and ITV News, and supported by i. You can watch it online here: LeadersLive.co.uk.

i@independent.co.uk

Twitter.com: @olyduff