A privately held company, financed in part by Google, called 23andMe recently launched
a web-based DNA testing service. Service users send in a saliva sample to
contracted laboratories 23andMe uses to process the DNA samples. The lab pulls
DNA from cells in the saliva and processes it on an Illumina BeadChip capable
of reading over 550,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a custom-designed
set that analyzes more than 30,000 more SNPs.
The additional 30,000 SNPs are chosen by 23andMe scientists for their
scientific relevance according to the firm. The lab will read more than 600,000
specific points on a subscriber’s genome. The entire process takes 4-6 weeks
and after the results are available, the subscriber accesses them at the
23andMe website.
The first major barrier to the service for many interested parties will be
the cost. To subscribe to the service requires a onetime fee of $999. Reuters
reports that the service doesn’t tell users of specific health risks in
their genetic makeup, though in some cases with the help of experts conclusions
could be made regarding health risks.
The service has been available in the U.S. since November and the service
will be available in Europe starting this week. The service may prove to be
controversial in Europe with Britain’s Human Genetics Commission member
Christine Patch saying she feels that many tests of this type are simply a
waste of money.
It’s interesting to many to hear about side projects Google invests in.
Google is typically associated with big deals like its purchase
of DoubleClick in 2007.
