| 
  • If you are citizen of an European Union member nation, you may not use this service unless you are at least 16 years old.

  • You already know Dokkio is an AI-powered assistant to organize & manage your digital files & messages. Very soon, Dokkio will support Outlook as well as One Drive. Check it out today!

View
 

genetics

Page history last edited by PBworks 15 years, 8 months ago

page director:  we are recruiting for this position.  see details here...

 


 

 

see also:  tech trends to watchlife sciences trends

 

 

 

Human beings have long wished for a way to know what their genes hold in store for them. It’s a wish that’s starting to be fulfilled with the emergence of personal genome services. Three contenders in this area have all made announcements within the last few weeks: deCODEme, 23andMe and Navigenics.

 

For an introductory price of USD 985, Iceland-based deCODEme scans more than a million variants in an individual's genome and calculates the risks of developing 17 different diseases, including asthma, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. The analysis uses a simple cheek swab, and the results also allow consumers to learn about their individual traits and genetic ancestry, as well as comparing their genetic profiles with those of a friend or relative. All data is stored securely online and the company provides updates as new scientific developments emerge.

 

23andMe, meanwhile, offers a USD 999 service that uses a saliva sample rather than cheek swab and analyses some 600,000 genetic variants. Consumers can use 23andMe's web-based interactive tools to explore the results, investigating their origins and genetic connections with others as well as understanding how the latest genetic findings apply to them. Currently, California-based 23andMe offers its service to US consumers only.

 

Finally, early next year California-based Navigenics will begin offering a USD 2,500 saliva-based service that maps an individual's genetic makeup and then compares it with current research on the genetic bases of 20 actionable conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Included among the results are assessments of the individual's risks relative to those of the general population and suggested steps the consumer can take to minimize the chances of developing a disease. Also included are a consultation with a certified genetic counsellor and a one-year subscription that continuously checks test results against new developments in genetics.

 

These are obviously highly specialized services, but their promise has drawn the attention of major investors including Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, Sequoia Capital and Google. Opportunities here? How about developing auxiliary services? With a wealth of sophisticated scientific data at their fingertips, consumers will increasingly need trusted medical consultants to help make sense of it all and navigate follow-up steps as needed, from additional testing to dietary advice.

 

Websites: www.decodeme.comwww.23andme.comwww.navigenics.com

Contact: support@decodeme.comhelp@23andme.comtellmemore@navigenics.com

 

 

Got $350,000? Knome will provide your full genome

knome-logo.jpg

 

In a surprising move, Knome, a Boston-area startup, is offering whole-genome sequencing to individuals.

 

This is big, because Knome’s mapping of your genome is the full deal, not the rough draft offered by competitors such as 23andMe. (Full details here.) For the moment, a lot of this is gee-whiz stuff, and maybe even a status symbol of sorts, since Knome can only handle 20 individuals who are willing and able to cough up $350,000 for the privilege. Practical uses will emerge over time, although for starters, anyone who’s been scanned will never need to take a genetic test again.

 

Eventually, however, a better understanding of your personal genomics might help you find out what diseases you’re predisposed to, what your family tree really looks like, which behaviors and even jobs play to your strong suit, and even who you might want to consider as a potential mate. We look at the science, the business and the repercussions of the launch at VentureBeat Life Sciences.

 

 

 

 

Navigenics promises a peek at your genome — next year

navigenics_logo.jpg

 

Navigenics, which plans to offer individuals a personalized genetic analysis so they can better manage their health, “launched” its service — sort of — and announced that it has raised more than $25 million.

 

As we point out at VentureBeat Life Sciences, however, the company’s launch is really just a promise to begin its service early next year, at a price of $2,500 per person. Navigenics also lined up Mohr Davidow Ventures — an early backer of potential competitor 23andMe — as a new investor, and we’re also told that Google, which has both personal and financial ties to 23andMe, has quietly invested in Navigenics as well.

 

 

 

23andme: Evil Or The Way Of The Future?

 

 

23andme.jpg

 

23andMe, the genetics company founded by Sergey Brin’s wife Anne Wojcicki will launch Monday with a service that will bring science fiction into reality.

23andMe will offer a genetic screening service for $999. The short story is that 23andMe will administer a test (presumable a swab) that will take your DNA and screen it. In return you will be told your genetic history including whether you are likely to suffer from a range of diseases or similar life altering events, including heart disease.

 

I cant help but think of the 1997 Ethan Hawke/ Uma Thurman movie Gattaca where “during this time society analyzes your DNA and determines where you belong in life;” 23andme is the first step towards that vision. If you thought Google’s already considerable power was of concern, consider that Google invested $3.9 million in the company in May; I’m not suggesting that Google is about to commence an index of the planets DNA, but well…no one really knows why Google invested in the company aside from Brin’s marital relationship.

 

I’m sure we all want to know what diseases we might end up with in the future, and in the development of human knowledge the accessibility of 23andMe’s product is a step forward..but I still cant help but feel a little concerned.

 

YouTube plugin error

 

Comments (0)

You don't have permission to comment on this page.