Stanford bioengineer explores own genome

[DoBotherMe]

Source: MercuryNews.com

A Stanford bioengineer has become the first scientist in the world to decode his own DNA with a machine he invented, allowing him to peer into his genetic blueprint to see his risk for disease — and expanding the frontier of medicine.

"I was curious about what was written in me," said Stephen R. Quake, 41, who has devoted the past decade to building the technologies behind his Heliscope Single Molecule Sequencer. "I'm following the great tradition of scientists who experiment on themselves."

A decade ago, sequencing of the first-ever whole genome by the federal government took many years and cost $400 million to $500 million. Quake's machine, the size of a freezer, sequenced his human genome in only four weeks, for $50,000. The procedure is expected to cost $10,000 by the end of this year.

Only a handful of people have seen their complete genomes and contemplated the consequences — physical and emotional. All were done by large genome sequencing centers, equipped with huge staff and hundreds of machines.



Read more: http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_14987438?source=most_emailed&nclick_check=1

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Dana ; )

I think this may be in the wrong forum. Sorry.

[Turbineguy]

1. In general this is a good thing.

But the American medical insurance system has pretty much killed this idea.

[Javaman]

2. "I have one of those genomes on my front lawn", says sarah palin. nt

[SlipperySlope]

3. LOL - N/T

[reflection]

4. Man, I am giggling like a kid.

That was a great line.