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What's in Your Genes?

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008; Page A06

Scientists are conducting large-scale scans of people's DNA to find the tiny molecular variations that help cause, or protect against, various diseases and behavioral traits. The goal is to be able to predict, on the basis of DNA tests, people's health risks and inspire them to consider preventive or mitigating measures.

Here are some of the diseases or traits for which gene associations have been found:

Diseases

Breast cancer

Prostate cancer

Diabetes

Lupus

Alzheimer's

Rheumatoid arthritis

Behavior

Schizophrenia

Bipolar disorder