Genetics

Entire Family Gets Genome Sequenced

Illumina, Inc. has announced that it has sequenced the DNA of four members of the one family. It's the first publicly named family to have their DNA sequenced to full coverage by the company. The service was completed using Illumina's Genome Analyzer technology.

 

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Personal Genetic Health Report by Pathway Genomics

Pathway Genomics Inc., is now selling a personal Genetic Health Report which contains information on more than 70 health conditions. Things tested include prescription medication response, tendency to develop diseases, and carrier status of recessive genes. The process involves signing up to the website, gathering a sample of DNA, and an action-oriented report is generated. There is also a certified genetic counselor available for follow up questions. The genetic analysis is completed at Pathways' wholly owned onsite laboratory.

Having a personal genetic health report is designed can help a person with their lifestyle choices in order to manage health risks. Conditions like asthma , Alzheimer’s, diabetes heart disease, and cancer among others can all be tested for. People can then create a personalized health care program. Even though having a genetic marker or SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) associated with a health event, it should be realized that it won't necessarily develop.

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Get Your Genome on a USB Stick

Knome is a company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts which  works alongside leading geneticists, clinicians and bioinformaticians from Harvard and MIT to enable private individuals to obtain, understand, and share their genomic information in a manner that is both anonymous and secure. They are the first genomics company to offer complete genome sequencing and analysis for private individuals.

Personal genomics is still in the pioneering stage but the first individuals in history to have their complete genome sequenced has already occured. And to promote the new service Knome has put up for auction on ebay a kit with the starting price of US$67000, about 2/3 the normal US$100,000. The auction was organised by X PRIZE Foundation Chairman and CEO Peter Diamandis who said: “The ability to fully sequence human genomes and use that personal genetic information to predict disease susceptibility and guide proactive care has the power to transform our entire healthcare system. 

Knome was co-founded in late 2007 by Harvard Medical School professor George Church to offer boutique whole-genome sequencing to wealthy clients. The initial price was $350,000, but that has fallen considerably in the past 12 months as the cost of next-generation sequencing services has plummeted. Knome contracts its sequencing operations to the Beijing Genomics Institute in Shenzen.