DNA already helps us predict certain traits like hair color, eye color, and skin color. But what would you do if you found out that scientists are well on their way to being able to completely (and accurately) reconstruct your face? And all from genetic data…
Last year, a study was conducted where whole genomes were sequenced and this resulted in models that were able to predict a wide variety of things including 3D facial structure, voice, height, weight, and BMI. This study was met with a lot of backlash because the predictions were being based on ancestry and sex, rather than specific individual faces.
So what does this mean for the future of DNA, our genetic code, and ultimately our genetic privacy? Let’s just put it this way — the more than we learn about and understand our genetic code, the privacy of our genetic data can become compromised.