New Device Sequences Complete Human Genome Faster, Cheaper Than Ever

• An engineer from Stanford by the name of Stephen Quake recently invented a new machine to be used to sequence human genomes, or read DNA.
• The Heliscope Molecule Sequencer, as it is called, works by pulling DNA apart on a pane of glass and then putting it back together, only modified to emit light, which is read by a computer.
• This process takes about a week and costs less than $50,000, compare to the first Human Genome Project, lasting ten years with a total cost of $2.7 billion
• Even the machine, which costs about a million dollars to build, is cheaper than many pieces of hospital equipment.
• While scientists have yet to understand how many genes will translate into proteins, cheap genetic sequencing is sure to speed this effort.

This story immediately caught my eye because it reminded me very much of the movie Gattaca. Although this is nothing like instant blood scans, it could be seen as a beginning. This will likely speed genome research to a point where we will be able to understand and decode them efficiently, which could lead to quicker, cheaper scans, most likely to be used for preventing genetic disorders and diseases. Although I do not think that “geneism” will ever occur, I would think it very interesting to know my genetic build and find out what genes make up me. Also, although being able to “build” a child will definitely not happen soon, if ever, it would be useful to be able to simulate what ones child might be like.

Source:
http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-08/new-technology-sequences-human-genome-faster-less-expensively-ever