Genetics & Gene Technology
Investigation
From reading DNA to writing it. Explore how gene technology and social equity
are shaping the future of human health in 2026.
Biomolecular Basics
Learn the fundamental definitions and key genetic issues you need to understand gene technology and its applications in 2026.
menu_bookCore Definitions
Pressing Genetic Issues in Australia
Sickle Cell Disease & Beta Thalassemia
The Success Story: CRISPR's First Cure
Sickle Cell and Beta Thalassemia are blood disorders that make it hard for the body to create healthy red blood cells. In 2026, Casgevy made history as the first CRISPR treatment ever approved. It works by switching back on a special type of hemoglobin that we all had as babies, which helps fix the genetic problem in adult cells.
The 2026 Reality: Patients aren't just managing pain anymore - many no longer need blood transfusions.
Haemophilia
The Transformation: One-Shot Gene Therapy
People with Haemophilia have blood that doesn't clot properly, so they used to need weekly injections for their entire lives. In 2026, new treatments like Roctavian are changing everything. By using a modified virus to deliver a working gene to the liver, the body can start making its own clotting factors.
The Big Question: While a one-time cure is amazing, the $2.9 million price tag makes us wonder: who gets to benefit from these new treatments?
Cystic Fibrosis
The Prevention Power: $200 Carrier Screening
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is one of Australia's most common genetic conditions. Thanks to Mackenzie's Mission, 2026 is a new era where couples can get tested before having babies to see if they carry the CF gene. This test is now covered by Medicare, making it affordable for everyone.
The Technology: A simple $200 saliva or blood test can tell parents if they carry CF genes before they get pregnant, helping them make informed choices about having children.
Indigenous Data Sovereignty
The Leadership: ALIGN Consortium
Your genetic information is the most personal data you have. For a long time, Indigenous genetic information was taken without proper permission. The ALIGN Consortium is leading the world in 2026 by making sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities control how their genetic information is used, stored, and shared.
The Core Principle: "Nothing about us, without us." Genetic research must help the communities it comes from.
Genetic Testing Access
The Challenge: The Equity Gap
In 2026, we can sequence a person's entire genetic code for under $200, but not everyone has equal access to these tests. In Australia, some life-saving genetic tests are fully covered by Medicare, while others (like cancer screening) can still cost families over $1,000 that they have to pay themselves.
The Big Question: Why should where you live or how much money you have determine your genetic health? This is a major focus of Australia's Health Genomics Policy (2026-2030).
Genetic Privacy & Data Protection
The Guardrails: Protecting Your Genetic Information
In a world where your DNA can be read in minutes, who owns that information? In 2026, Australian privacy laws have been updated to treat genetic data as "Super-Sensitive Information." This stops insurance companies or employers from treating you differently based on what your genes might predict about your future health.
The Global Risk: If you use genetic testing kits from other countries (like ancestry tests), your genetic information might not be protected by Australian laws.