In 2016, ABC published an article featuring how DNA testing plays an integral role not only in the lives of people, but also in the area of scientific study. 

Researchers from the University of Nebraska and University of California-San Diego began conducting HIV [Human Immunodeficiency Virus] studies to determine if there is a relation between aging and HIV by looking at human biomarkers.

Researchers tested people with and without HIV.  New treatments available for HIV often cause the disease to become more chronic than deadly, and the universities wanted to know if HIV caused long term damage within the human body.

This required DNA Testing.

DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic acid, by definition, is a molecule that carries most of the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning and reproduction of all known living organisms and various viruses. It is a unique genetic code. Genes are small sections of DNA within the genome coded for proteins. They contain the instructions for our individual characteristics like eye and hair color. 

The initial purpose behind the scientific research carried out was to attempt to understand long-term effects of HIV infection and aging.  By studying 137 people with HIV and 44 people without HIV, the researchers were able to test a varied group of individuals.

One of the physicians involved in the research, Dr. Fox, stated that the study started due to doctors seeing older HIV patients at risk with conditions completely unrelated to HIV. 

In addition to the long-term effects of anti-retro viral therapy, normal aging was detrimental as well to one diagnosed with HIV.

This study is crucial because it proves that people affected with HIV need a stricter healthcare regimen earlier in the normal aging process than those not affected by HIV. This way doctors can provide a successful preventative healthcare plan in order to combat both HIV and aging.

The conclusion of this study was that the immune system is at higher risk due to always being alert safeguarding the body from harm. The system eventually becomes tired after chronic activation because cells divide more rapidly in an unhealthy individual. Each year of aging heightens the risk of death and this study found that those infected with HIV have a 19% increase in that risk compared to their non-infected peers.

In conclusion, DNA Testing is necessary, in ways often at first unfathomable, in every facet of life. This university study proves not only the importance of DNA testing but also how this specific example will serve to lengthen the lifespan of others.

If DNA testing were not readily available, in this instance, the lives of those affected by HIV would be at earlier risk.