Thread: The $100 Question

In the context of DNA sequencing, the technology is becoming faster, more reliable and better.
Sequencing whole genomes of various organisms is a daily routine for many universities around the world.

Recently, researches at the University of Washington have designed a machine that:

"(...) can extract human DNA from fluid samples in a simpler, more efficient and environmentally friendly way than conventional methods.

The device will give hospitals and research labs a much easier way to separate DNA from human fluid samples, which will help with genome sequencing, disease diagnosis and forensic investigations."

Together with other technologies (e.g. Ion Torrent Sequencer, Illumina, SOLiD), scientists will soon be able to sequence an entire human genome for $100.Are you willing to pay $100 in order to find out what your genome is (and all its possible consequences)?

Source:
New device can extract human DNA with full genetic data in minutes

This will help speed up the testing of DNA so anything that speeds things up always will be of tremendous help and reducing costs will be very good as well. Thanks for the link, an interesting machine.

I guess my question would be what are the possible consequences? Knowing that you may uncover a potentially life-shortening gene that you didn't know about previously could be difficult I guess but how its dealt with would depend on an individuals idiosyncratic philosophy of life. I would pay the $100 definitely because I am nosey - I don't think there is anything it could tell me which would change my current philosophy to be honest so I would definitely go for it.

Originally Posted by LuciDreaming

I guess my question would be what are the possible consequences? Knowing that you may uncover a potentially life-shortening gene that you didn't know about previously could be difficult I guess but how its dealt with would depend on an individuals idiosyncratic philosophy of life. I would pay the $100 definitely because I am nosey - I don't think there is anything it could tell me which would change my current philosophy to be honest so I would definitely go for it.

The more you know about all your possible health issues the sooner you can take the necessary steps to mitigate the problems it might cause you as you get older. I would have gladly paid $100 dollars when I was in my early 20's to find out about issues that early management would help a great deal. Currently most people don't manage issues they are not aware of. Another issue that doesn't get a lot of press is that some drugs are more effective for some than others. Having a complete genetic sequence would help in screening the best drug therapies for each individual.

Does this testing works on demi-gods as well? I may be interested.

Let us call Percy Jackson and ask him.

You know what i don't like about announcements like this? More reliable, faster and cheaper is always the goal, so saying a new method is either is redundant. The way i see it, they still use the same basic methods, just downscaled, and using better electronic monitoring, and sensory equipment. The whole enchilada is still the same. Then why the big deal? I like true discoveries, like fire, or the wheel. Or peanutbutter, for that matter. But not simply using a newer sensor in the same freaking apparatus, or using newer software.

(i wrote the above before reading the source, but i remain at my opinion after reading it)