Cheap Genes
A new benchtop DNA sequencer will allow medical clinics to sequence a patient’s entire genome in a day. The system uses this disposable semiconductor chip, which has an array of microscopic wells containing known DNA templates on its upper surface. Fragments of a patient’s genome are washed over these wells, and matches between a template and the patient’s DNA trigger electronic sensors attached to the well. The chip and required reagents together cost $1,000 per genome. The sequencer will allow doctors, as part of a patient’s normal care, to test for genetic conditions or assess whether the patient is likely to respond to a particular drug.
Product: Ion Proton Sequencer
Cost: $149,000
Availability: Mid-2012
Source: www.lifetechnologies.com
Companies: Life Technologies
Keep Reading
Most Popular
A Roomba recorded a woman on the toilet. How did screenshots end up on Facebook?
Robot vacuum companies say your images are safe, but a sprawling global supply chain for data from our devices creates risk.
A startup says it’s begun releasing particles into the atmosphere, in an effort to tweak the climate
Make Sunsets is already attempting to earn revenue for geoengineering, a move likely to provoke widespread criticism.
10 Breakthrough Technologies 2023
These exclusive satellite images show that Saudi Arabia’s sci-fi megacity is well underway
Weirdly, any recent work on The Line doesn’t show up on Google Maps. But we got the images anyway.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.