RSSService unlocks the human genome for the consumer
By Ed Oswald | Published November 21, 2007, 1:39 PM
A new Google-backed service aims to allow interested users to search through their own DNA to find out information about their own genetic makeup or predisposition for certain diseases.
"The mission of 23andMe is to take the genetic revolution to a new level by offering a secure, Web-based service where individuals can explore, share and better understand their own genetic information," said Linda Avey, a biopharmaceutical expert and the site's co-founder.
Healthcare investor Anne Wojcicki joined with Avey in establishing the site. Avey is the wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, whose company is an early investor in the project.
Both Avey and Wojcicki feel that consumers should have the opportunity to understand more about their genetic makeup and what it could mean for them. They plan to eventually incorporate social networking into the mix as well.
For example, with the user's consent, the system would match up those with similar predispositions, creating support groups for diseases, even before that person is diagnosed.
The service does not come cheap. Each kit, which includes a test tube where customers are asked to spit into and return to the company's contracted labs, are intended for one person and run $999 USD.
However, the price may be small to pay for some who may find out they could be shelling out many times more than that in the future due to some disease they may end up contracting later in life.
"We believe this information provides intriguing insights into an individual's genetics, with the goal of expanding the collective knowledge base by enabling active participation in research," Wojcicki said.
While this could work in a positive way, some worry it could work just the opposite. For example, one law professor at Stanford who has been looking at these new genome-based services said it could have a negative effect.
Professor Hank Greely gave one example to the San Jose Mercury News where a woman stops getting regular mammograms due to finding out she is at low risk for breast cancer through a service like this.
For those concerned with the privacy implications, the company said regular audits would be performed in order to ensure that all data would remain secure. Data would only be shared with the customer's explicit consent, and are kept on a separate, secure server.
In addition to 23andMe and DeCodeMe, there's a third "me" called Knome, www.knome.com. The site says they are sequencing whole-genome, unlike the gene scans of 23 & decode.
Score: 0
|There is a much more established project (http://www.dnaancestryproject.com) starting at $120. The neat thing about them is they take the funds and use it for research in locations where this amount is several times a year's income (that's for example places where humans originated...). This here just seems a capitalist ripoff.
Score: 0
|I like the prospect... very reasonable price too.
Score: 0
|This looks very similar to http://www.decodeme.com/ as was launched last week by Decode Genetics (http://www.decode.com/)
Does anyone know who's providing the actual genetic analysis service for this company, it doesn't seem clear to me if they do it themselves or have it outsourced.
Score: 0
|Will Ferrell found out his dad was gay from this, no?
Score: 0
|Weeee!! Your DNA info on a "secure" server we all know what happens from time to time with "secure" servers. It would be just a matter of time before somebody would achieve hacking into that just like the credit card "secure" servers. I rest my case. Thank you your honor. Sorry I watch a lot of Boston Legal on tv.
Score: 0
|Takes identity theft to a whole new level doesn't it.
Score: 0
|oh noes! bad men are going to make a me-clone and know that i'm mildly allergic to mint!
Score: 0
|Cool, so before a company hires you they check out your DNA to see if you're screwed up in any way. Nevermind the privacy, they will sell DNA information for revenue.. and there will be loopholes.
Or better yet, a laptop available for the taking that has a bunch of DNA information.
Score: 0
|I wonder how long it'll be before the life insurance companies start to include this as a precursor to granting policies?
Score: 0
|A long time, in all likelihood. The prices for checks are prohibitively expensive right now on a per-person basis (a company covering a million people would need to come up with a billion dollars at the prices listed above, and likely higher for more accurate testing).
In addition, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 passed the House 420-3, and while it hasn't yet made it out of committee in the Senate, it still has another year and change to do so, similar bills having sailed through the Senate in the past. The president has indicated that he would sign it upon passage. GINA would prohibit insurance companies from using genetic information for purposes of determining eligibility and pricing, and employers from using the information for purposes of hiring, transfers, promotions, or terminations.
Score: 0
|There is also the problem of disclosure. Participating in something like this may invalidate an insurance policy where you are asked to list conditions and you omit the results of these "tests".
Score: 0
|If they unlock my genome, does that mean I will work on more than one network?
Score: 0
|I laughed :)
Score: 0
|i giggled ;)
Score: 0
|Just what we need! Google to have your DNA information. Google is evil!
Score: 0
|