Get Your DNA Sequenced for $200K Less!

Thirteen years and US $10 billion later, the first of several human genomes were completely sequenced in 2003 in what is now known as The Human Genome Project. From then on, scientists dreamed of and aimed to get the cost of DNA sequencing down to $1,000 per person.

Although the running cost was around $250,000 per genome last year, well, that’s still thousands more expensive than most people can afford. No wonder only seven people have had their DNA fully sequenced!

But that could all change from now on. A whole genome has been sequenced for only $50,000. Stanford engineer Stephen R. Quake invented the Heliscope Single Molecule Sequencer and sequenced his own DNA in one week – one short week! – using only three staff personnel, which was much faster and cheaper than first projected.

Of course the machine itself costs $1 million (“depending on how hard you bargain”), but the cost to sequence is now $200,000 less than the current market.

Why all the craze to sequence one’s own genome? As part of the growing trend in personalized medicine, decoded genome can reveal disease and environmental risks specific to your genetic make-up, which can help with a genome-specific or “personalized” approach to prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Well, at least that’s the goal… meantime, your DNA can also be sequenced as art for only $200.

Image: Newscom