The IBM device would read single strands of DNA as they passed through layers of a microchip.

Sequencing your genome is going to be such big business that everyone wants to get in on it, even if they aren’t ready. In a recent press release, IBM announced that it is working to create a microchip that will sequence DNA by running it through tiny ‘nanopores’. The DNA Transistor will be able to sequence the entire genome rapidly and for less than $1000. While a working prototype of the chip won’t be created for three more years, IBM thinks that the theory and computation behind the concept is sound. If ultimately successful, the computer giant would launch itself to the forefront of the genome sequencing field. For now though, the company is just pushing an idea, not a product. I love it when companies compete in a field, but IBM’s got years of hard work before it could be a genome sequencing competitor. A fact that makes their press release seem premature at best. Still, you should check out the admittedly cool PR video after the break.

The first human genome cost around three billion dollars to sequence. Today, Illumina is offering to do the same for $50,000 and Complete Genomics is looking to a $5000 price tag under certain conditions by the end of next year. But the big hurdle is $1000. At that point, sequencing a genome will become accessible to almost anyone, and could see wide spread adoption in health and medicine. Using genetic information, doctors could provide personalized health care that would target illnesses and choose treatments which best suit your body. Knowing more, we could live much longer.
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