Just In Time for Christmas – More DNA Art

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted December 17, 2007 in DNA Products

One of the most unique gifts you can give this Christmas is DNA art. One new option in this growing market is Cell Portraits founded by molecular biologist Dr. Phil Fisette. His multicolor DNA prints are created from a 1000X magnification of chromosomes contained in white cells. Customers give two to three drops of their blood which is then incubated in cell-growth medium for about five days.

Dr. Fisette stains the white blood cells and uses a microscope to look for a display of chromosomes suitable for immortalizing on canvas or paper. Customers can choose the colors they prefer and a sample proof is emailed for approval before final printing. Prices range from $250 to $500.

If I were running a consumer genomics company, I would offer Cell Portraits or other complementary services to my customers. DNA holds so much meaning and promise that any early adopter of personal genomics would appreciate having a gorgeous and tangible representation of their genetic past, present, and future.

via Wisconsin State Journal

Tags: genetics, genes, dna, cell portraits, philip fisette, dna art, art

(5 comments)

Crazy Genetic Marketing Ideas

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted December 14, 2007 in DNA Fun, DNA Products, DNA Testing

Less than three weeks until the start of 2008 and everyone’s making their final marketing push. Genetic services companies are not exempt.

Boston-based dating service, ScientificMatch.com , uses a “patent-pending technology” that analyzes DNA having to do with the immune system to find a match who:

• Smells good to you (but probably not to me)
• Has complementary genetic material to yours so you can produce healthier children (unless you feed them McDonald’s every day and smoke around them)
• Is so good in bed that you’ll wonder if a good sex life is in your DNA

Not to be topped by DNA-induced, euphoric love, the much maligned Genebase DNA Ancestry Project claims that Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer has joined their online networking community where you can email, post photos and messages, and join his network. You can even send an electronic postcard that shows that human HVR-1 mtDNA is 65% similar to Reindeer mtDNA. I guess Genebase thinks going goofy will somehow boost their credibility.

deCODE Genetics thought stirring the pot would keep the spotlight on them too. This past week, they put out the word that Dr. James Watson has 16 times the number of African-origin gene than the average white European (see this post for background about Dr. James Watson’s comments about race and intelligence). John Hawks said it best :

I mean, what is the purpose really of spreading a news story that Watson may be 1/16 African, without adding the context of how common this degree of genetic mixture has been in American history in particular, and between populations generally? Why would a geneticist working with humans not realize the ethical problem?

Personally, I’m pretty worn out after the excitement of the past few weeks and months. Great advances have been made in the field of personal genomics but we’re still taking things step-by-step. What may seem to have happened overnight is actually the culmination of years of hard work. And as 2007 draws to a close, we have more years of hard work ahead of us.

Tags: genetics, genes, dna, personal genomics, genomics, genebase, dna ancestry project, decode genetics, scientific match, dating

(7 comments)

DNA Direct Launches DNA Archive for Home DNA Storage

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted December 4, 2007 in DNA Products

With advances in genetic technology happening faster than any of us ever expected*, now is the time to start storing DNA from your family members and yourself. Blaine at The Genetic Genealogist gives five reasons to save your grandmother’s DNA and now DNA Direct is making it easier than ever to store personal DNA. DNA Archive is a revolutionary method for home DNA storage that allows you to store your personal DNA at room temperature and in any location you wish, e.g., at home, safe deposit box, etc.

I hope you’ll find the press release for the launch of DNA Archive informative (it’s the first one I’ve ever written!).

DNA Direct Launches DNA Archive(TM), a Revolutionary Method for Home DNA Storage
Preserving genetic history for the future

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ — DNA Direct today announced the launch of DNA Archive(TM), a revolutionary method for storing personal DNA. DNA Direct will offer the state-of-the-art storage technology, developed by Biomatrica, direct to consumers to enable them to store DNA in the safety and privacy of their own home, safe deposit box, or any other location of their choosing.

“Genetic technology is advancing so quickly that storing DNA for the future is the smart thing to do,” explains Ryan Phelan, CEO of DNA Direct. “As more sophisticated testing increasingly becomes available, we can use stored DNA to gain valuable insights into our family’s medical history. Storing our own, our parents’, or our grandparents’ DNA using DNA Archive(TM) preserves our genetic history for the future.”

How DNA Archive(TM) Works

DNA Archive(TM) is secure, convenient and at $175, an affordable way to store DNA. A simple, painless cheek swab sample is mailed to the laboratory for extraction. The DNA is dried using SampleMatrix(R), a synthetic medium that “shrink wraps” DNA. The preserved DNA is delivered in lab-quality tubes and UV-resistant packaging for safe, stable storage.

DNA Archive(TM) samples can be reconstituted by any lab using only a few drops of water. Each sample contains ample DNA to perform currently available genetic testing for clinical genetics, identity, or ancestry. Three samples of DNA are included in each DNA Archive(TM) kit, so that DNA can be stored in multiple locations.

Unlike other DNA banking services, DNA Archive(TM) does not require yearly maintenance fees for freezing and off-site storage. DNA Archive(TM) samples can be kept at room temperature in any dry location. Customers will find peace of mind knowing a family member’s DNA is safe and within their reach.

Why store your DNA?

There are a number of reasons people from all walks of life are choosing to store their DNA. Storing DNA is a good way to prepare for the future when genetic testing becomes more affordable, new genes are discovered, and genetic technologies continue to advance and bring new medical insight.

Stored DNA can be used to:

• Understand your family’s medical history
• Understand your inherited physical characteristics
• Understand your family tree

How to order DNA Archive(TM)

Individuals can purchase DNA Archive(TM) at the DNA Direct website at www.dnadirect.com. For more information about SampleMatrix(R), visit the Biomatrica website at www.biomatrica.com.

About DNA Direct

DNA Direct is a privately held San Francisco company offering personalized, confidential medical genetic testing, consumer genetics, and genetic counseling. www.dnadirect.com.

About Biomatrica

Biomatrica, The Biostability Company, provides innovative and reliable storage solutions for laboratories managing and processing biological samples. Current products preserve DNA and RNA at room temperature, as well as sample management software. www.biomatrica.com

~~~~~

*George Church is now in the running for the Archon Genomics X Prize and thinks he can cut whole genome sequencing costs down to $1000 sometime in 2008. This would be an amazing achievement indeed particularly in regards to how it would affect the personal genome sequencing company he co-founded, Knome. (For more, see my interview with Knome CEO Jorge Conde.)

Update: Lisa Lee at DNA Direct Talk has more about DNA Archive.

Tags: dna direct, dna archive, dna storage, dna banking, genetics, genes, dna, biomatrica, samplematrix, george church, archon genomics x prize, genome sequencing, knome

(5 comments)

DNA Network Members Discuss Personal Genomics Service Providers 23andMe, deCODEme, and Navigenics

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted November 20, 2007 in DNA Products, DNA Testing

What’s so special about 23andMe, deCODEme, and Navigenics? What makes them stand out of the crowd? After all, DNA testing is nothing new. The company I work for, DNA Direct, has been offering consumers a whole slate of different tests for several years complete with genetic counseling and informative reports.

What makes the latest entrants into the field of personal genomics interesting:

1. Whole genome SNP analysis vs specific, single, limited number of gene variants
2. Interactive, fun websites that are meant to be always up-to-date with the latest information and enable you to make contact with others who have similar genetic profiles
3. A combination of genetic genealogy with human genetics
4. 23andMe and deCODEme de-emphasize their involvement in medical genetics with deCODEme claiming that the information they give you is not meant to help you make “medical decisions.”
5. Strong PR push which is especially important for companies that operate only on the Internet
6. Investors with deep pockets

While I understand the excitement surrounding the launch of these companies (mainly engineered by the media), I don’t get why we should be any more excited by their offerings than by what’s already available on the market.

First of all, I’m not all that interested in what kind of gene causes my sticky ear wax because as Kathy Hudson, founder and director of the Genetics and Public Policy Center, pointed out, we’ve got q-tips for that. Info on the genes encoding my boring brown eyes can’t be all that interesting either.

Secondly, what am I supposed to do with the knowledge that certain SNPs in my genome are associated with an increased risk in complex diseases such as heart disease, etc.? Common sense tells me that everyone should be eating less fat and exercising more. That’s the commons sense part of prevention. As for treatment, if I needed it, my cholesterol and blood pressure, along with other biomarkers, would have given me away already. And, isn’t this kind of gene-disease information at the heart of nutrigenomic companies like Sciona and Suracell (for more info, see my interview with Suracell Chief Information Officer Derek Hornby) except that Sciona doesn’t sell nutritional supplements like Suracell?

Thirdly, if you’re an early adopter of whole genome scan technology, you should be aware that the data you get on your genealogy won’t be very different than other companies that offer genetic genealogy services at substantially lower prices ($1,000 for whole genome scan vs a couple hundred dollars for genealogy DNA testing alone). Also, the SNP approach employed by these companies may yield different results than the STR marker and mtDNA sequencing analyses used by others. In fact, if you’re looking to fill in your family tree/ancestry by making connections with other people of the same genetic profile, you may have to wait some time for the company database to accrue enough data from a sufficient number of customers. There are also many people who are interested in genetic genealogy but don’t want to know anything about genes that might predispose them to disease. DNA can be fun and scary.

On top of all this, remember that personal genomics doesn’t necessarily mean individualized genomics. DNA from you and other customers is analyzed using the same chip and the information you get is the same as any other customer with your SNP genotype and family history. As far as I can tell, there are no follow-up analyses beyond what the company offers on these microarray chips so if, for example, you have a SNP in the BRCA gene for breast and ovarian cancer that is linked to increase risk, you’re on your own in selecting which other genetic testing company or health service for further genetic testing.

But don’t just listen to me, DNA Network members are definitely the ones to turn to for commentary on the developing field of personal genomics.

• Sandra Porter at Discovering Biology in a Digital World – Step right up, get your very own DNA profile only $999
• David Hamilton at VentureBeat Life Sciences – 23andMe: Will the personal-genomics company need Big Pharma to make money?
• Ricardo Vidal at My Biotech Life – 23andMe uses the new gold standard from DNA Genotek
• Ramunas Janavicius at Cancer Genetics – deCODE’ing Predisposition to Cancer
• Deepak Singh at business|bytes|genes|molecules – Your personal health: Social networking XY.0 revisited and some killer video
• Blaine Bettinger at The Genetic Genealogist – 23andMe Launches Their Personal Genome Service
• Lisa Lee at DNA Direct Talk – deCODEme: First “Genetic Scan” Launches
• Steve Murphy at Gene Sherpas – Staying Positive
• Bertalan Mesko at ScienceRoll – Personalized Genetics: It has begun!
• Thomas at The Seven Stones – Personal genomics for a fistful of dollars

Also, please welcome new DNA Network members Yann Klimentidis, Eric Olivares, and Deepak Singh. We now number 38 in the Network!

NB: Proving that The Issue is up-to-date on the issues of the day, The Genetic Revolution was the subject of discussion earlier this week with posts from Gene Sherpa, The Genetic Genealogist, Little Blue Pill, and Eye on DNA.

Tags: genetics, genes, dna, navigenics, 23andme, decodeme, personal genomics, health, medicine

(31 comments)

Get Your Personal Genome Decoded Here

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted November 18, 2007 in DNA Products, DNA Testing

The shutters are up, the neon open sign is lit, and the cash register has been polished. Personal genomics is open for business:

• 23andMe
• deCODEme
• Knome
• Navigenics (not quite but almost)

Where else can you get your personal genome “decoded”*?

I’m technically supposed to be taking a break (what is the meaning of that word anyway?!) so I’ll continue brewing my comments for now. Until then, check out the following for more:

• Thomas Goetz at Wired and Epidemix
• Amy Harmon at The New York Times
• Jonathan Eisen at The Tree of Life
• New DNA Network member Deepak Singh at business|bytes|genes|molecules
• Kevin Kelly in KK’s lifestream

If you’ve signed up for one of these services or are planning to do so, let us know why in the comments!

*These companies offer whole or partial genome sequencing and/or genomewide SNP analysis.

Photo: Gene pool: Your jeans in a petri dish from Wellcome Images under Creative Commons

Tags: personal genome, 23andme, knome, navigenics, decodeme, genomics, genetics, genes, dna

(6 comments)

DNA Auction: Mr. DNA from Jurassic Park

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted November 15, 2007 in DNA on Auction

You gotta be quick on this eBay auction that ends today, November 15, at 11:19 PST. This is an original animation cel of Mr. DNA from Jurassic Park with a starting bid of $75. Good luck!

Tags: genetics, genes, dna, mr dna, jurassic park, animation cel, ebay, auction

(>> Start a discussion!)

DNA on Auction: DNA Wall Clock

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted November 8, 2007 in DNA on Auction

Today’s eBay find is this 8 1/2″ round DNA wall clock. The auction ends today, November 8th at 17:12 PST. Bidding starts at $15.99 and the Buy It Now price is $17.99. Great gift for Christmas (not too early to start hoarding presents).

Tags: genetics, genes, dna, clocks, auctions, ebay

(>> Start a discussion!)

Official Launch of Personal Genomics Company Navigenics

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted November 6, 2007 in DNA Products, DNA in General

Navigenics, a company offering customers a “personalized health strategy” utilizing genetic information, officially launched today. But if you’re looking for a list of products and accompanying prices, there’s none available on their site. You might be able to find out more by emailing tellmemore@navigenics.com.

From the press release:

Navigenics, Inc. launched officially today, naming a team of advisers and investors from leading communities in science, medicine, technology and public policy who are supporting the company.

Navigenics is a cutting-edge personalized, preventive health and wellness company, dedicated to improving health outcomes. The company will help people understand their genetic predisposition to disease and arm them with the information about what actions to take to help them stay healthy. Navigenics will accomplish this initially through use of a saliva-based, whole genome scan and analysis, matching an individual’s DNA against scientifically and clinically vetted gene-disease correlation studies.

Update: The WSJ Health Blog asks “Would you pay $2,500 for a roadmap to your genetic health risks?” One commenter, KM Daly, compares these medical genetic tests to DNA breed analysis tests for dogs.

I was going to pay $65 for each of my dogs just to determine what breeds they were so $2500 seems extremely reasonable. It may tell us what we already know but sometimes we need an outside source to really believe. I mean you can’t help thinking of White Noise, but we’ve reached that point, what are we going to do, keep it a secret?

The Wall Street Journal reports that Navigenics will be offering the Health Compass genetic test for $2,500 starting early in 2008 which will tell customers their risk for more than 20 medical conditions, including diabetes, obesity, prostate cancer, and glaucoma.

The $2,500 fee for the test will also cover consultations with a genetic counselor and a year of updates as more SNPs and diseases are validated and added to the test. Annual subscriptions for additional updates will be available for about $250.

April 8, 2008 – Navigenics Health Compass is now available for purchase. For more, see my interview with Genetic Counseling Program Director, Elissa Levin.

Photo: Manipulated image of DNA chip analysis from Wellcome Images under Creative Commons

Tags: genetics, genes, dna, personalized medicine, personal genome, genomics, health, medicine

(3 comments)

DIY DNA from BBC 5 Live Report

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted October 28, 2007 in DNA Podcasts and Videos, DNA Testing, Nutrigenomics

powered by ODEO

This week’s BBC 5 Live Report looked at personalized genetic testing, specifically with respect to nutrigenomics. Click play to listen.

Dr. Paul Jenkins of Genetic Health is quoted in the BBC write-up:

All of the genes we analyse have been published in very large-scale studies in the most eminent medical studies and show a clear association between those polymorphisms [genetic variations] that individuals possess and their risk of having a disease.

These are not diagnostic tests and that is a point I make very firmly to all the patients.

We’re not guaranteeing either they will or they will not develop a disease, but I think individuals have a right to know whether they are at increased risk genetically, in the same way that knowing you have high blood risk puts you at increased risk of heart disease.

We definitely have the right to know but how much information is there available “to know”? We desperately need a resource like Genome Commons but for consumer genetic tests. Who wants to start one with me?

Tags: genetic testing, dna tests, genetics, genes, dna, nutrigenomics, genetic health

(1 comment)

DNA Auction: African-American Sisters’ Copy of Avoid Boring People by James Watson

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted October 24, 2007 in DNA on Auction

On the day Dr. James Watson proclaimed that Africans had lower intelligence, African-American sisters Karah, Safiya, and Diana Cesar had him sign a copy of his book, Avoid Boring People. Now the sisters have put that signed copy up on eBay at a starting bid of $300. The auction ends on October 31st at 7:29 PDT.

Safiya, 17, a senior at Cold Spring Harbor High School:

He signed our book and we’re African-Americans. With all the hype still up, we thought it might be valuable to someone.

Twin sister Karah ina letter to Dr. Watson:

This incident has taught me a lesson that may not be in your book. No matter how venerable you are, you are still human.

James Watson apparently lives just 10 minutes from from the Cesar girls.

Tags: genetics, genes, dna, james watson, avoid boring people, ebay, auctions, book

(3 comments)