Scan Your DNA to Find Out What Makes You Tick
For the first time in history a company will be able to scan your DNA and tell you the history of your cells, where you’ve been for the past billion years and where your genetic future is going. 23andMe, a silicon valley startup with links to Google offers you the chance to shell out $999 for a personal map of your genomic profile.
Why would anyone beyond scientists and researchers want to do this? The company says because the information could be as fun as tracing family food preferences, sleeping habits and seeing which grandparent passed down your athletic ability. On a more serious note it will also give you insight as to what diseases and conditions you’re predisposed to – all the way from glaucoma to cancer.
The challenge isn’t behind uncovering the data. It’s finding a way to present it to both the layperson and a researcher. That’s really where this service aims to shine. The massive amount of information will be linked to current and future research. Right after you read about a new disease study you can go online and look to see if you are predisposed to that ailment in real time. While the novice will have very minimalistic reports, anyone can scan deeper. Possibly even to become a genetic hobbyist, where you’ll realize that access to your detailed information is already at your fingertips.
The founders of the company envision groups of people getting together that may share genotypes on a type of social-networking engine. They would have the potential to be involved in research work, which would help to exponentially advance the field of genetics.
Genetics changes the nature of medicine, it changes the predictions of medicine and how medicine works. For instance, what if you find that you have a personal genetic variation that makes you 50% more likely to get getting breast cancer? Armed with that information you can take preventative measures, find out what you need to avoid/do and even take drugs that are specifically trailered to your DNA.
We’re just beginning to learn what we came from and where we are. It’s exciting that in 2003 the map of our common genetic sequence was completed by the Human Genome Project. The costs associated were upward of $3 billion. Four years later we are able to take portions of our own DNA and have them genotyped, finding references to the past and future for a mere fraction of the cost.
For more information on the importance of genetics please take a look at this TED video by Juan Enriquez:
[Guardian]
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Zath said
am November 24 2007 @ 1:18 pm
I’d love to have my DNA scanned like this, I was just watching a TV show about this kind of thing earlier today where Prof Michio Kaku had a profile of his DNA done and it told him what his health risks were in relation to certain diseases and illnesses.
In years to come I’m certain this will change the face of medicine!
Jerad Kaliher said
am November 24 2007 @ 2:59 pm
@Zath, when I was going through the material to write this article I had the itch to try it out myself. The price point might just be a bit off for me at the moment. The fact that it is genotyping, which means they will only take portions of your DNA to sequence, means that you don’t get a full map.
At the moment an entire genome map would cost around $300k. There is an X Prize currently out that challenges entrepreneurs to get that price to around $10k, which would be phenomenal.
Who knows, one day this service may be significantly cheaper and then you can spring for a round for the entire family.
Neece said
am November 24 2007 @ 10:10 pm
A bit pricey, but definitely something interesting if it ever becomes affordable, especially for the complete profile.
Jerad Kaliher said
am November 25 2007 @ 3:03 am
@Neece, I think that for about $100 just about everyone would jump on the bandwagon.
The problems start coming into play when you think of these tools as diagnoses. Especially if insurance companies every pay for them and are able to deny claims based on history and bad habits. That will start a real shit storm.
Connie T. said
am November 25 2007 @ 8:06 am
@Jerad: You read my mind. Health Insurance Companies. As if they aren’t evil enough already, this would definitely give them an advantage. However, it is also a nice notion that a person could take preventative measures to stop whatever disease they might inherit according to their genetic map, that is the upside as you pointed out in your blog.
I also wonder if this would lead to significant sociological impacts. Both bad and good. Will people be using this data to back up claims of “genetic superiority,” for example?
Overall, I think its a wickedly cool idea to be able to do this. I’m pretty sure I would do it.
Jerad Kaliher said
am November 25 2007 @ 11:01 am
@Connie T., that’s the kicker isn’t it? As long as this stays private we are all in the green. 23andMe is purposely trying to make themselves out to be a service and not a way to diagnose disease. I think that fact is very important.
It’s mostly because they don’t want to have to go through FDA testing. They are trying as hard as possible to stay away from diagnostic testing. I wonder how long they will be able to play the ‘novelty’ card.
I’m not so sure I would go overboard and think that tests like these would go Gattaca on us. I can see how the link would be made, but to tell you the truth I think that testing like that to create a super race is completely ridiculous. That movie was so unrealistic that I couldn’t even enjoy it.
I’d do it in an instant myself, it’s all a matter of price for me.
sall said
am December 18 2007 @ 3:40 am
I`m sure this is the future and something we`ll get our heads around as it becomes a less expensive resource. Open to all sorts of ethical issues I wonder whether our best intentions will be accompanied by adaquate support in dealing with test results BUT overall this seems to point towards preventative medicine and ultimately less invasive therapy with the notion of more control over our lives? I am not a scientist but like many people,read the articals and look forward to the day this service becomes MUCH cheaper and more understood.
Foster Lamb said
am December 18 2007 @ 10:38 pm
Can’t get enough of this wonderful stuff !!!