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Google Your DNA? It's Not a Far Off Fantasy

Genetic scans just need more processing power, says famed geneticist

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2007 3:44 PM CDT

(Newser) – Eventually, you may be able to Google the DNA of a prospective date to see if they've got any undesirable genes, geneticist Craig Venter said yesterday at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco, cNet reports. The cost of a complete DNA sequence, once $70 million is now about $300,000, and a $100,000 target is in sight.

The drops in cost are driven by increases in computing power -- geneticists know how to sequence DNA, but it is the massive information processing required that drives up cost. With processors growing ever stronger, Venter suggests it won't be long before your genetic traits and predispositions are available as part of a standard medical test.

Craig Venter
Craig Venter   (Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Craig Venter, President Celera Genomics.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Craig Venter, President Celera Genomics.   (KRT Photos)
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