China camp uses DNA testing to identify kids' genetic gifts

Parent Cafe
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<p>I wonder when an enterprising company will make this available in the U.S. – and I wonder how many parents will pay big bucks to get this service for their kids. I also wonder how valid the test results and predictions are. </p>

<p>"CHONGQING, China (CNN) – At the Chongqing Children’s Palace, experts are hoping to revolutionize child-rearing with the help of science. About 30 children aged 3 to 12 years old and their parents are participating in a new program that uses DNA testing to identify genetic gifts and predict the future.</p>

<p>For about $880, Chinese parents can sign their kids up for the test and five days of camp.</p>

<p>When Director Zhao Mingyou first heard about the technology earlier this year, he instantly knew it could be a success in China.</p>

<p>“Nowadays, competition in the world is about who has the most talent,” said Zhao. “We can give Chinese children an effective, scientific plan at an early age.”</p>

<p>The test is conducted by the Shanghai Biochip Corporation. Scientists claim a simple saliva swab collects as many as 10,000 cells that enable them to isolate eleven different genes. By taking a closer look at the genetic codes, they say they can extract information about a child’s IQ, emotional control, focus, memory, athletic ability and more.</p>

<p>For basketball, we can test for height and other factors," said Dr. Huang Xinhua, a leading scientist on the project. “We also test listening ability so that can tell us if (the child) might be talented at music…”
[In</a> China, DNA tests on kids ID genetic gifts, careers - CNN.com](<a href=“http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/08/03/china.dna.children.ability/index.html]In”>In China, DNA tests on kids ID genetic gifts, careers - CNN.com)</p>

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<p>My S was contacted by TIP for this program; they sent kit for saliva slap. I have no idea how many other kids were asked to participate in this program, but I suspect many.</p>

<p>Caltech is also doing research in this area.</p>

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<p>Wow! TIP did this!</p>

<p>You know, I’d be interested to have that test done on me. I’m curious about what talents/ gifts that I may have that are undiscovered.</p>

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<p>It is only a matter of time…college apps that will only require a social security number and a scraping from the inside of your cheek .</p>