Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 2, 2008 10:11:00 AM CST



Sequencer Can Map Genome in 4 Minutes

Posted Feb 12, 08 3:54 PM CST in Science & Health 

(Newser) – Blinding-fast new machines will be able to sequence a human genome in 4 minutes for just $1,000, potentially revolutionizing medical research. "It will change health care forever if it works," the CEO of the manufacturer tells Reuters. By comparison, the federally funded Human Genome Project, which wrapped up in 2000, took 5 years and cost $300 million.

Doctors will be able to quickly and easily compare numerous genomes, shedding light on how genes contribute to and cause disease. "You can sequence 1,000 people who exhibit addictive behavior and 1,000 who don't and see if there any differences between them," says Hugh Martin of Pacific Biosciences, one of several companies working on systems to make completing a gene map faster and cheaper.

Source Reuters

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
"It will change health care forever if it works," said Hugh Martin, Pacific Biosciences chief executive officer.   (Shutterstock.com)
California-based company Pacific Biosciences has announced its new gene-sequencing machines are faster and more cost-effective than current federally funded models.   (Shutterstock.com)
"The real idea is to be able to sequence people fast enough and cheaply enough so we can turn some really interesting discovery problems in genetics and genetic diseases into software problems," said...   (Shutterstock.com)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

DNA genetics



Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Science & Health Stories


What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »