Getting Your Genome Sequenced for Free

Have you ever wanted your genome sequenced, but was afraid that the price may be too costly? Fortunately, a recent genomics startup company, Nebula Genomics, have offered consumers the option of having their genes sequenced for free. With the prices of sequencing one's entire genome costing an arm and a leg, this may be an enticing offer. However, there is a catch which Nebula clearly wants their customers to know. The company will sequence your genome entirely for free as long as you are willing to provide your data to research purposes in genetics. Although this may seem to be a breach in privacy, the company states that they will be using a data storage method called block chaining. where such information is scattered and distributed throughout the network compared to it being centralized. In addition to a cut down in cost, the company entices consumers by stating that their sequencing will provide, "2,000 times more data than existing services" (i.e. Ancestry and 23andme).

With such an opportunity presented, the company does acknowledge some drawbacks. Initial sequencing tests will not be superbly accurate, therefore, the data cannot be used to make medical judgments. To add, it will take some time for the database to sufficiently grow in order for it to provide researchers useful information. On top of the company's stated drawbacks, certain people view the service still lacking in privacy protection of consumer's personal information. Sequencing one's genome should only be done if the participant is fully willing. Still, Nebula promises to be entirely transparent with their customers in all matters.

As a member of the scientific community, I would wholeheartedly give this a shot. I am not only benefiting myself in satisfying my curiosity of how my genome looks like, but I am also benefiting the research community who may find my data useful. I have no qualms about sharing such personal information, I believe sharing of information is one of the key pillars in scientific progress. As long as the company shows integrity to their word, I support Nebula's efforts.

In a side note, Nebula is offering the service to customers who don't want their data to be used in research, however, they will have to pay $99 dollars to do so which is standard for most other popular services.

3D-Printed Faces Constructed Using DNA

As mankind advances, so does technology and experimental methods. In New York City an artist named Heather Dewey-Hagborg has been able to created 3D-printed human faces using small traces of DNA collected from crowded public places. Hagborg is able to collect the human DNA from cigarette butts, chewing gum, and strands of human hair. She begins her process by taking the DNA sample she has collected to a biotechnology lab located in Brooklyn where she can then obtain the sequencing information. When this has been done she runs the information through a computer program and creates a 3D-printed model of the face using the DNA she found.

Hagborg with one of her 3D-printed models. 

However, creating the 3D models does have limitations. From the DNA sequence provided it is unclear of the person’s age and each model is not exactly identical to the person who’s DNA it was made from.

Hagborg’s main point in doing her project is that with today’s technology a single strand of hair can reveal someone’s genetic information. She believes that because of this, precautions must be taken regarding genetic surveillance as technology advances. 

From a forensic science viewpoint, I think that what Hagborg is doing could help improve forensic facial reconstruction.  With Hagborg’s method, those performing the facial reconstruction would not require a human skull and instead only need a single piece of DNA. While it is important to remember the 3D-printed face will not look exactly the face of the person the DNA was collected from, it could easily assist in identifying suspects in ongoing cases. In addition to known factors such as the age and height of a suspect, Hagborg’s method could aid in determining more about the facial profile of suspect being pursued.

This video briefly covers how facial reconstruction is currently done.

As far as genetic surveillance is concerned, I find it impossible to entirely protect your own DNA. Just walking down the street the average person sheds both their hair and skin. In addition to this, the average person also does not have 24/7 access to a 3D printer and biotechnology lab. Even if they did and could create models like Hagborg, what would they then do with the inaccurate model you created? If anything I find it disturbing that the Brooklyn biotechnology lab allows Hagborg to bring in the random DNA she has found with the intent to create a 3D model of the person’s face. Maybe if there is to be a movement to increase genetic privacy it should start with biotechnology labs preventing this sort of thing.