Apple iPhone Apps Could Help You Test Your DNA

During a special event in March, Apple announced an open framework named ResearchKit, which could be used by scientists to gather important data for medical studies. Apparently, the American company is now looking to expand the ResearchKit’s capabilities in order to allow regular iPhone users to make some use of its resources.

According to MIT’s sources, the Cupertino crew is currently working closely with medical experts in order to create special apps that could allow iPhone users to get DNA tests. The two initial studies would not involve actual DNA sampling, but the end goal would be to make it easier for users to collect their own genes in order to share them with academics or organizers of scientific studies. The apps could also provide access to updated findings that could let you know whether your specific condition is actually genetic or not. Apple has reportedly started off app-based studies in collaboration with UC San Francisco and the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, which means that working applications could be showcased during the upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference in June. On the other hand, the DNA-based studies could be cancelled altogether.

Even though the project’s purpose seems to be a noble one, some users might not be too happy to hand over their DNA data to Apple over privacy concerns. Would you try out one of these applications?

Thank you Engadget for providing us with this information.

Image courtesy of Forbes.