Aerozord
03-18-2013, 01:24 AM
So while on my break i decided to do some reading and found out about Nanopore sequencers (http://www2.technologyreview.com/article/427677/nanopore-sequencing/).
Basically it unzips your DNA and uses an ionic current to sequence the DNA. It needs no reagents and can sequence the entire strand. Not only does that make it so easy anyone with a computer and a blood sample can do it, but accurate. Its very good at checking for errors such as those that cause most types of cancer because it sequences the entire strand.
This will make DNA sequencing so cost effective it will be as routine as a blood test. However thats not what I find most exciting, its what this is likely the start of. They are also releasing a portable version thats likely under 1000 USD. While more limited it reminded me of something similar. Large expensive models used by companies with affordable but weaker personal devices, is not too dissimilar from Computers about two decades ago.
Once a technology reaches this stage mass production and refinements in manufacturing usually causes the price to tank fairly quickly. Then when the personal version is able to sequence an entire genome cancer can be detected decades before it becomes a problem not to mention a variety of other illnesses.
Basically it unzips your DNA and uses an ionic current to sequence the DNA. It needs no reagents and can sequence the entire strand. Not only does that make it so easy anyone with a computer and a blood sample can do it, but accurate. Its very good at checking for errors such as those that cause most types of cancer because it sequences the entire strand.
This will make DNA sequencing so cost effective it will be as routine as a blood test. However thats not what I find most exciting, its what this is likely the start of. They are also releasing a portable version thats likely under 1000 USD. While more limited it reminded me of something similar. Large expensive models used by companies with affordable but weaker personal devices, is not too dissimilar from Computers about two decades ago.
Once a technology reaches this stage mass production and refinements in manufacturing usually causes the price to tank fairly quickly. Then when the personal version is able to sequence an entire genome cancer can be detected decades before it becomes a problem not to mention a variety of other illnesses.