Dr. Jim Watson’s Genome Sequenced for 2 1 Million Dollars
by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted May 29, 2007 in Personalities with DNA
Congratulations to Dr. James Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, whose genome sequence will be handed to him on a DVD this week. His genome was sequenced six times over for quality control and it cost 454 Life Sciences approximately $2 $1 million dollars and a smidge less than two years compared to $4 billion dollars and 10 years for the Human Genome Project.
When “Project Jim” was announced in 2005, Dr. Watson said he didn’t not want to know what variant of the ApoE gene he had. Another leader in the intial sequencing of the human genome, Craig Venter, already knows that he has ApoE4, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
As fascinated as I am by DNA, I don’t know if I’d ever want my entire genome sequenced. It’s not like knowing will keep me from getting hit by a bus tomorrow.
Tags: genome, dna sequence, james watson, project jim, genetics, genes, dna, genomics, 454 life sciences

Related Posts:
DNA Video: The Secret of Life...
Eye on DNA Links – June 12, 2007...
Celebrating Eye on DNA’s One-Month Anniversary...
People Who’ve Had Their Genomes Sequenced...
Beijing Genomics Institute Sequences Fourth Human Genome in the World...
Reconstructing the Prehistoric DNA of Neanderthals...
Whole Genome Sequencing For All...
9 Comments
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Search Eye on DNA
- Genetic Genealogy on Faces of America
- DNA Network Tweet Cloud
- DNA{wesome}
- Genetics = Real Science
- Larry David’s DNA Test
- Lopez Tonight First Late-Night Show to Offer DNA Testing
- American Genes Don’t Exist
- Knowledge about Genetic Risk is Power or is it Fear?
- Murderer Gets Reduced Sentence Because His Genes Made Him Do It
- Video: Knome’s Ari Kiirikki Speaks with Medgadget
MOST POPULAR
- DNA Toys: Ben 10 and Digimon Digivice
- 100 Facts About DNA
- Salaries for Jobs in Genetics
- Fetal Gender DNA Tests Answer Common Pregnancy Question...Or Not
- What does DNA mean to you?
- Eye on DNA Interview: Dr. Tzung-Fu Hsieh of RedTracer DNA Test for the Red Hair Gene, MC1R
- Books About DNA: The Crime of Reason by Robert B. Laughlin
- Genetically Modified Organisms Bring in the Cash
- Navigenics Introduces Physician Portal and Annual Insight Service
- Parenting Children Using Genetic Tests
- People Who’ve Had Their Genomes Sequenced
09/29/2009 07:03 am
8 Comments - Larry David’s DNA Test
11/17/2009 02:52 am
1 Comment - 23andMe DNA Tests for $399, Down From $999
09/10/2008 04:33 am
6 Comments - Crazy Genetic Marketing Ideas
07/05/2008 09:14 pm
7 Comments - Parenting Children Using Genetic Tests
05/18/2009 02:09 am
4 Comments - Business of DNA
- DNA @ Google Answers
- DNA and Disease
- DNA and Genealogy
- DNA and the Law
- DNA Around the World
- DNA Fun
- DNA in General
- DNA Inventions and Gadgets
- DNA Lab Talk
- DNA Podcasts and Videos
- DNA Quotes and Excerpts
- DNA Testing
- Gene Therapy
- Genetic Engineering
- Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms
- Jobs Involving DNA
- Personalities with DNA
- Polls About DNA
RECENT POSTS
RECENT COMMENTS
CATEGORIES
ARCHIVE
- January 2010
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
RANDOMIZED BLOGROLL
- Evolution Minute
- nodalpoint.org
- Dr. Deborah Serani
- The Loom
- Gene Expression a la Razib
- Genome Technology Online
- Bio Job Blog
- Evolution…Not “Just a Theory” Anymore
- Genome Boy
- Discovering Biology in a Digital World
| We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. |




I can’t wait to get mine (but $2 million is still a bit too steep for me)! I didn’t know that Venter had ApoE4, I guess that’s what triggered Watson to refuse his own ApoE4 sequence when he receives his genome.
Blaine, If I ever become a multi-billionaire, I’ll get your genome sequenced for your birthday present.
That sounds great! A gift like that would be a great tax deduction for a multi-billionare!
[...] Albin Paul at Microarray Blog wrote about Roche’s acquisition of 454 Life Sciences, the company that sequenced Dr. James Watson’s DNA. [...]
[...] Dr. Jim Watson’s Genome Sequenced for 2 Million Dollars ? Eye on DNA – Hsien-Hsien Lei at Eye on DNA congratulates Dr. James Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA. He is the first human to have his genome sequenced. [...]
[...] honor of Dr. James Watson receiving his genome sequence on two DVD’s this past week, these kids at Jump Productions re-enacted the discovery of DNA [...]
[...] Dr. Jim Watson’s Genome Sequenced for 2 Million Dollars « Eye on DNA [...]
[...] Dr. Jim Watson’s Genome Sequenced for 2 Million Dollars » Eye on DNA [...]
[...] my opinion, the first 10 human genomes to be fully sequenced (really the first 10 after 2, right?) is and should be a publicity stunt to grab the public’s attention and [...]