X Prize Foundation Encourages DNA Decoding

Carl Bialik from the WSJ writes "The X Prize Foundation, the group behind the $10 million prize for human space flight, 'plans to offer a $5 million to $20 million prize to the first team that completely decodes the DNA of 100 or more people in a matter of weeks, according to foundation officials and others involved,' the Wall Street Journal reports. 'Such speedy gene sequencing would represent a technology breakthrough for medical research. It could launch an era of "personal" genomics in which ordinary people can learn their complete DNA code for less than the cost of a wide-screen television.' But don't set aside that TV purchase just yet: Foundation officials don't expect the prize money to be claimed for five to 10 years."

Comments

Re:Oh, this is just GREAT news.

[VisiX]

Maybe companies fire smokers because they can't be counted on to make rational decisions. I wouldn't want someone working for me who intentionally inhales toxic substances for no apparent reason whatsoever, completely ignoring truckloads of research (facts really) proving that it will eventually kill them.

This is not intelligent behavior.

First impression. . .

[eutychus_awakes]

. . .when reading about the X-Prize Foundation rewarding all this work in DNA sequencing was: "I guess they're doing that so it will be easier to identify and differentiate the remains of the tourists who get blown up while flying in experimental spacecraft."

Just part of a morning of disturbing thoughts. . .