Cheap gene map for individuals

In 2003, the Human Genome Map Project ended with nearly 25,000 human genes being decoded. Now people are racing to have a genetic map for each person at a cheap price.

In the near future, everyone will have their own genetic map
(Photo: iesmariademolina) The Human Genome Map Project ended in 2003, resulting in nearly 25,000 human genes being decoded.

The result is due to 13 years and millions of dollars of research costs.

Now, universities, private companies, institutions, research institutes and American scientists are rushing into a race with much greater ambition: to reduce the cost and time to decode human genes. , to help each individual get their genetic map.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), a chemical compound in the nucleus of the cell, is a place to store genetic information that forms every living organism. DNA molecules, with different arrangement of ATGC acid bases, create diverse biological characteristics of each species, from genus, skin color, hair to blood type .

Building a human gene map to statistically influence the effect of each type of DNA on people's health, thus, will lead to a revolution in diagnosis, treatment, prediction and prevention of thousands of types of disorders Today's disorder is happening to humans.

However, the "traditional" technique used in the Human Genome Project is to break DNA fragments, clone and then use electricity to draw them through a "window", activating the fluorescent tail. glowing and "translating" colors, then reading and decoding genes is too slow and expensive.

Now, computer technology has allowed people to take DNA images with digital cameras instead of placing 'windows'.

In addition, in the race to reduce costs and accelerate the speed of gene reading, many laboratories and scientists have invented completely new methods for reading genes.

For example, 454 Life Sciences (USA), sought to increase the density of DNA molecules every time. "If the old method only read 384 DNA molecules at a time, our new method could read 200,000 molecules at once," said Chris McLeod, CEO of the company. McLeod also said his company hopes to increase the DNA density even further, to reduce the cost of decoding the entire genome map to about $ 100,000.

The goal set by the National Institute of Human Genome Research Institute (US) in decoding human genes is even higher. They expect to get a price of $ 100,000 / gen map after three years, and by 2014 it will drop to just one tenth of the price.

Of course, it is not when everyone has a genetic map that can shake off any worries about illness. Because, contrary to misconceptions, apart from genes, factors such as living conditions, living habits . also greatly affect human health.

In addition, the risk of going against the right to privacy of personal information and social ethics also threatens to hinder this great scientific progress. But, before the news that less than 10 years, cheap gene maps will be available in the market, we have the right to be excited and hopeful.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), a chemical compound in the nucleus of the cell, is a place to store genetic information that forms every living organism.DNA molecules, with different arrangement of ATGC acid bases, create diverse biological characteristics of each species, from genus, skin color, hair to blood type .

Building a human gene map to statistically influence the effect of each type of DNA on people's health, thus, will lead to a revolution in diagnosis, treatment, prediction and prevention of thousands of types of disorders Today's disorder is happening to humans.