Something Interesting

A few weeks ago, James Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, had his entire genome sequenced and published. It cost somewhere around a million dollars and they did it in 2 months. This is way cheaper and shorter than the multi-year, multi-billion dollar project that was the human genome project and that was a short 6 years ago. In a short decade, (in all of our life times mind you) we will be able to sequence a persons genome in a afternoon for less than a thousand dollars. Also, if I read it right, I think Dr. Watson decided not to publish a gene region that is affiliated with Alzheimers because he presumably doesn't want the world to know if he is getting it or not. (On a side note, he spoke at the University of Washington this spring and seemed a bit crazy, like a guy whose gotten so much attention that he can say anything he wants and people will love him for it.) Anyways this all makes me think about a few questions,

1. If you can sequence your genome for $1000, whats to stop the insurance companies from wanting it before they write your policy?

2. Would it even be a problem if they did?

3. If you can make the data public would you?

4. Would your kids, grandkids, etc want you to? (Remember, you share half you DNA with your children.)

5. What about hypothetical rich garbage company that has easy access to your cells (in your garbage, ie tissues, hair, nail clipings, old socks, whatever you get the point) and alot of money to blow. Could you stop them if you wanted to?

Let me know what you think.