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Although some claims have proven to be controversial, DNA analysis companies offer personalized diet and exercise advice based on DNA profiles and genetic heritage. A company called DayTwo offers personalized dietary programs using DNA and other medical information for people with diabetes. DayTwo’s services are based on large longitudinal clinical studies correlating DNA profiles with nutrition and exercise benefits for health, particularly type 2 diabetes. DayTwo also analyzes microbiomes (the microbes that live in our digestive tract) to provide additional personalized nutritional and dietary advice. One of the most interesting emerging careers in DNA involves the use of DNA to design tiny machines on a nano scale. Nano is short for nanotechnology , and it refers to technology that operates on a scale of less than 100 nanometers. (A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter.) Nanotechnology can involve manipulating or working with individual molecules and atoms. DNA is used to build tiny clamps that hold molecules in place while experiments are conducted. It is also used to build DNA machines that contribute to DNA and RNA research projects. Some nanotechnology machines are created using “DNA origami.” Like the ancient paper-folding technique from Japan and China, DNA origami folds segments of DNA into complex shapes to build tiny nano-scale machines. Occupational Outlook The career outlook for people who want to work with DNA in a lab varies. Genetic counselors who work with families to understand the risks of inheritable diseases will grow 28 percent, from 3,000 to 3,800 jobs, between 2018 and 2028. Being a genetic counselor requires a master’s degree along with certification from the National Society of Genetic Counselors or the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Genetic counselors usually work for large medical centers, university-based medical centers, or large health systems. Forensic science technicians who work with DNA for a law enforcement agency or commercial DNA testing lab are also part of a fast- growing field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the job field will grow by 14 percent between 2018 and 2028. By 2028, over 19,000 people will be working as forensic science technicians, including DNA testing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, forensic science technicians with bachelor’s degrees earned an average of $58,230 per year in 2018, while genetic counselors with master’s degrees earned an average of $80,370.

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DNA Profiling