Free our genes : a liberal relief

Abstract

Did you know that it is possible to sequence your human genome for $1,000? HiSeq X Ten, a new $10 million gene-sequencing machine developed by Illumina, can carry out more than 2 genome sequences an hour, each one sequenced 30 times for accuracy. If one were to compare, mapping the first human genome took over a decade and cost $3 billion. Illumina explained that the cheap price of $1,000 is caused by the projected volume, i.e. 18,000 sequences/year. The price consists of $797 for the reagents used during the process, machine depreciation of $137 and employee overheads of $65. The author writes that we seem to be drawing nearer to start sequencing human genomes in numbers large enough which will allow a direct comparison between them, leading to a translation into personalized medicines. The raison d’etre is that most diseases are the result of many genes, each contributing a small amount to disease development.