January 22, 2008 · 12:18 PM

DNA TO GO

The decoding of the human DNA opened a new field for human genome research. By now, the reproduction of stem cells and the control of genetic diseases seem realistic.The company "23 and me" wanta to realize genetic testing for everyone - for only 999 US-Dollar. Host and Investor Esther Dyson is explaining why this may alter the modern way of living.

The Panel: Anne Wojcicki and Linda Avey from „23 and me".

Customers of "23 and me" can reade from their personal genome if they are predisposed to certain diseases. Accordingly, they are free to change their lifestyles. Still, it is their choice, so there should be no worries about privacy or "big brother fears". It is more about coming together than changing one's lifestyle.

What "23 and me" also wants is to provide the possibility to compare large data of genomes and then develop personalized treatments and therapy. What about the costs for people in poorer countries? This is still a limiting factor to this project.

Their service also includes ancestry research - it traces a person's ancestry all over the world by analyzing mitochondrial DNA. "One might feel a kinship with people all over the world".
The results might have more than health implications: The genome might verify one's own biological parents - or not.

The commercial application will be highly interesting for insurance companies, which will be better able to judge risk factors of their clients.

 

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