Smithsonian To Create Its 1st Human Genome Exhibit

To commemorate the sequencing of a complete human genome sequence, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History will create the first major exhibit on the human genome to be opened on the National Mall in June 2013.  For the exhibit, the Smithsonian will collaborate with the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) at the National Institute of Health which raised $500,000 to go toward the project.  The money raised by the NHGRI will be combined with the $3 million pledged by Life Technologies Corp.

Life Technologies Corp. recently announced its development of a machine that can sequence an individual’s DNA in a day for $1,000, fractions of the cost associated with sequencing the first human genome which was completed in 2000.

In addition to highlighting the advancements made in the life science industry due to genetic research, the curators hope the exhibit will highlight ethical issues, collect visitors thoughts on genetic testing, and impart knowledge on how everyday choices affect our genomes.

As an offset to the future human genome exhibit, the Smithsonian recently built the world’s largest biorepository for animal DNA, RNA and tissue samples, and is also planning a genomics research lab on the national mall.

Read the full article here.

For more information regarding Harbor Consulting, please visit www.seqidno.com.

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Could Sequencing the Entire Human Genome Soon be as Inexpensive as Getting a Blood Test?

Yes, this could happen in the not so distant future if Complete Genomics optical physicist Bill Banyai’s “gene sequencing machine,” now in its second generation model, holds up to its promises.  Not only would this machine lower the cost of genome sequencing, but it will also speed up the time required to analyze an individual’s complete DNA.

This breakthrough could lead to more personalized medicine, especially regarding cancer treatment.  In addition, at the rate the technology is developing, new understanding of our genome and more effective treatments may arrive much sooner that ever expected.

All in all, this machine could be a game changer in the scientific, computer and medical industries, so keep an eye on Complete Genomics and see if they can be the first to bring down the cost of human genome sequencing to under $1,000. For more information, read the full article here.

-The Harbor Consulting Team

For more information regarding Harbor Consulting, please visit www.seqidno.com.

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