Gene code mapping for all babies within 10 years!

Jacqui D · 02-09-2009, 02:29 PM

Gene code mapping 'for all babies within 10 years'
By Mark Prigg
Last updated at 10:07 AM on 09th February 2009
Comments (1) Add to My Stories Every baby could have its genetic code mapped out at birth within 10 years, a process which will predict conditions such as diabetes and heart disease and help prevent them.

Jay Flatley, head of leading genome company Illumina, predicted a revolution in healthcare after the complete DNA read-out for every newborn becomes a technical reality. He said only social and legal issues would delay the process.

But with many people reluctant to have their genome read for fear it could be used against them by employers or insurance companies, the process is expected to raise difficult questions over privacy.

Ethan Hawke in Gattaca: Some fear gene mapping could lead to people's 'defective' genes being used against them like in the science-fiction film.

The plummeting cost of technology has made genome screening for all patients a real prospect. Some services are already available to customers for around £700 with the whole genome mapping-out process costing £70,000

Interesting name of company.
[(Illumina,) based in San Diego, is looking to launch its own cheaper whole-genome service within two years and is already seeking its first customers who are likely to pay between £7,000 to £14,000.

Dr Flatley said: 'The limitations are sociological; when and where people think it can be applied, the concerns people have about misinformation and the background ethics questions.

'I think those are actually going to be the limits that push it out to a 10-year time frame.'

02-09-2009, 02:29 PM	#1
Jacqui D Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kent,England Posts: 1,267	Gene code mapping for all babies within 10 years! Gene code mapping 'for all babies within 10 years' By Mark Prigg Last updated at 10:07 AM on 09th February 2009 Comments (1) Add to My Stories Every baby could have its genetic code mapped out at birth within 10 years, a process which will predict conditions such as diabetes and heart disease and help prevent them. Jay Flatley, head of leading genome company Illumina, predicted a revolution in healthcare after the complete DNA read-out for every newborn becomes a technical reality. He said only social and legal issues would delay the process. But with many people reluctant to have their genome read for fear it could be used against them by employers or insurance companies, the process is expected to raise difficult questions over privacy. Ethan Hawke in Gattaca: Some fear gene mapping could lead to people's 'defective' genes being used against them like in the science-fiction film. The plummeting cost of technology has made genome screening for all patients a real prospect. Some services are already available to customers for around £700 with the whole genome mapping-out process costing £70,000 Interesting name of company. [(Illumina,) based in San Diego, is looking to launch its own cheaper whole-genome service within two years and is already seeking its first customers who are likely to pay between £7,000 to £14,000. Dr Flatley said: 'The limitations are sociological; when and where people think it can be applied, the concerns people have about misinformation and the background ethics questions. 'I think those are actually going to be the limits that push it out to a 10-year time frame.'