The Odds of Injury: Genetic Testing and Sports
Setup
Excelling as an elite athlete isn’t just about performance — it’s also about not getting hurt. In this session, two Stanford researchers discuss how DNA data can help athletes predict propensity for injury. From genetic tests of 100 NFL linemen and collegiate cross-country runners, the researchers are using DNA sequencing, algorithms, population data sets, and evidence of past injuries to uncover genetic markers for future mishaps. Will our genes be able to tell us when a training breaking point is likely to come? And as this technology becomes more mainstream, how will athletes and teams balance staying healthy with genetic privacy?
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