New Tech Promises Cheap Gene Sequencing In Minutes

Zothecula writes "Sequencing an entire genome is currently a highly complex, time-consuming process – the DNA must be broken down into segments and replicated, utilizing chemicals that destroy the original sample. Scientists from Imperial College London, however, have just announced the development of a prototype device that could lead to technology capable of sequencing a human genome within minutes, at a cost of just a few dollars. By contrast, when sequencing of the genome of Dr. James Watson (co-discoverer of the structure of DNA) was completed in 2007, it had taken two years and cost US$1 million."

Re:but

[oldspewey]

No, but it can identify the gene for compulsive behaviour.

Bert & Ernie?

[jfengel]

I can't get too enthused about a prototype of something that might one day lead to another prototype, "up to ten years away".

But the article in the sidebar titled "Breakthrough raises possibility of genetic children for same-sex couples" is at least amusingly illustrated with a picture of Bert and Ernie.

Re:let's hope

[Monkeedude1212]

You know what they say... In Space, no one can hear you complain about Science Fiction.

Re:NOT gay

[d'fim]

The duck was male and so was the other duck with Bert in the bedroom and besides it's none of your business what gay couple they swapped partners with anyways.

Re:Article citation

[140Mandak262Jamuna]

OK, Take a Popsicle stick, scrape it inside your cheek and send the DNA sample to them. They will analyze your DNA and tell you the source of the "anxiety about source less news story syndrome". Hurry, if you are the first, they will name the disease after you.