So who wants cheap DNA sequencing

Aerozord · 03-18-2013, 01:24 AM

So while on my break i decided to do some reading and found out about Nanopore sequencers.

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.

Locke cole · 03-18-2013, 01:30 AM

One thing I like about NPF is that the amount news I get here about science that is cool and makes me hopeful for he future is almost equal to the amount of news about science that makes me want to crawl into a cave and cry.

This being the former, of course.

Aerozord · 03-18-2013, 01:32 AM

To be honest I noticed alot of doom and gloom around here, so I intentionally hunt for good news about emerging technologies to try and balance things out. Well to be more exact I pass along anything I happen across. There is alot of cool stuff on the horizon

Locke cole · 03-18-2013, 01:37 AM

If we survive to 2016.

...wow, that was dark of me, sorry. I think I need to get some sleep.

But yeah, this is amazing, I think. I honestly don't know all that much about how sequencing DNA works, so I think I'll look that up in the morning to get a better understanding.

That being said, "Detecting cancer years off" is something I can totally get behind.

tacticslion · 03-19-2013, 07:23 PM

Title. Says it. I generally agree with both you guys in most everything said in this thread so far!

mauve · 03-19-2013, 08:13 PM

Does anyone know if the Obama healthcare laws ended up banning insurance companies from denying service due to pre-existing conditions? If it did, then this is awesome news. If it didn't, then cheap dna sequencing could mean that in the future, insurance companies may have the option to see if you are genetically pre-disposed to certain diseases and cancers, which may just make it easier to deny people coverage.

But maybe I'm just being overly pessimistic about our healthcare system.

Aerozord · 03-19-2013, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauve Mage

Does anyone know if the Obama healthcare laws ended up banning insurance companies from denying service due to pre-existing conditions? If it did, then this is awesome news. If it didn't, then cheap dna sequencing could mean that in the future, insurance companies may have the option to see if you are genetically pre-disposed to certain diseases and cancers, which may just make it easier to deny people coverage.

But maybe I'm just being overly pessimistic about our healthcare system.

oh they'd totally do that, its why a healthcare system based on for profit companies is phenomenally stupid, and this coming from a guy that is usually pro-capitalism.

However to my knowledge they did change it so they still have to cover pre-existing conditions.

03-18-2013, 01:24 AM	#1
Aerozord So we are clear Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Former murder capital of the world Posts: 13,824	So who wants cheap DNA sequencing So while on my break i decided to do some reading and found out about Nanopore sequencers. 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. __________________ "don't hate me for being a heterosexual white guy disparaging slacktivism, hate me for all those murders I've done."

03-18-2013, 01:32 AM	#3
Aerozord So we are clear Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Former murder capital of the world Posts: 13,824	To be honest I noticed alot of doom and gloom around here, so I intentionally hunt for good news about emerging technologies to try and balance things out. Well to be more exact I pass along anything I happen across. There is alot of cool stuff on the horizon __________________ "don't hate me for being a heterosexual white guy disparaging slacktivism, hate me for all those murders I've done."

03-19-2013, 07:23 PM	#5
tacticslion Regulator Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,842	This is awesome and I love good news. Title. Says it. I generally agree with both you guys in most everything said in this thread so far! __________________ Make the best decision ever. I look forward to seeing you there! You should watch this trailer! It's awesome! (The rest of the site's really cool, too!) I have a small announcement to make. And another!

03-19-2013, 08:13 PM	#6
mauve So Dreamy Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Someplace magical Posts: 6,863	Does anyone know if the Obama healthcare laws ended up banning insurance companies from denying service due to pre-existing conditions? If it did, then this is awesome news. If it didn't, then cheap dna sequencing could mean that in the future, insurance companies may have the option to see if you are genetically pre-disposed to certain diseases and cancers, which may just make it easier to deny people coverage. But maybe I'm just being overly pessimistic about our healthcare system. __________________ Yoo Hoo!