Facebook a la Personal Genetics?

Science Magazine recently published an article entertaining the legal, ethical, and social ramifications of personal genome sequencing. Estimations that personal genome sequencing will be a widespread and cost-efficient enough to be integrated into everyday clinical care have prompted a host of companies to offer various genome-related services, including ancestry tracing and social networking - not unlike Facebook. 

While these potentialities are certainly exciting, especially to the bioengineer, the article duly notes the need for serious reflection on the possible outcomes of these services. Who will have access to this information? How do these services protect the patient's right to know - or not to know? How is the correct utility of this information ensured - and who should be allowed to draw conclusions based upon it (think "insurance companies")? Such questions have put a damper on many a clinician's urge to implement such services. 

I found this article particularly interesting because it asked these questions. There is no doubt that what is on the horizon is exciting and could hold something approaching limitless potential, but I feel that all too often people (and scientists) get caught up in the science itself and forget that the effects of the science's practical application in our everyday lives needs serious thought.

http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/317/5845/1687