Google is making further moves towards indexing people's DNA, it has been revealed.According to reports in BusinessWeek, the search engine provider has recently invested in DNA screening firms Navigenics and 23andMe, both of which test consumers' genetic characteristics for certain diseases.
Users of the service, which can screen an individual's likelihood of developing 18 medical conditions, including cancer and Alzheimer's, can then pass the information to their doctors.
Google spokesman Andrew Pederson stated: "We are interested in supporting companies and making investments in companies that [bolster] our mission statement, which is organising the world's information and making it universally accessible and useful."
He went on to say that 23andMe is an example of a firm which generates "a whole new batch of information of interest to a broad range of people".
The spokesman added that Google feels it important to get involved in this new area of online services at an early stage in order to "better understand" the information generated in the "fast-moving" field.
Google invested $3.9 million in 23andMe, which focuses on allowing customers to store their genome, in May last year.
Meanwhile, earlier this year, Google advanced its endeavours towards storing internet users' health records when it initiated a test with the assistance of Cleveland Clinic.
As part of the trial, thousands of patients were provided with online access to a range of information, including their medical histories and test results.
