Channel 12 interviews Marchant on genetic tests

Professor Gary Marchant of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law recently was interviewed by KPNX about a new DNA test that developers say could determine a child's aptitude in sports. The story also was printed on the television's Web site, azcentral.com.

In photographer Scott Hohenshell's report, "DNA Test Your Kids?," Marchant cautioned parents about putting too much stock into the results of the test, which is offered by Atlas Sports Genetics of Boulder, Colo. Channel 12 tested two children, the daughter of an Olympic gymnastics gold medalist and the son of a automotive equipment salesman, to test the company's claims. The reported results were that each child had a genetic advantage for "mixed-pattern" sports.

"Parents shouldn't over-interpret, make decisions or send signals to their children, based on the results of this test, because it could be misleading or dangerous," said Marchant, Executive Director of the College of Law's Center for the Study of Law, Science, & Technology, who has a Ph.D. in genetics. "A single gene doesn't really tell you very much at all about it, and there are so many other things that were not tested for."

While acknowledging that the test appeared fairly harmless and could be a fun activity, Marchant warned that there is no government oversight of such tests to ensure that consumers are receiving valid test results.

To watch video of the report, click here.

To read the azcentral.com report, click here.

Janie Magruder, [email protected]
(480) 727-9052
Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law