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.

Free Genomic Sequencing?

Genetic sequencing has certainly had many advancements since the beginning. Surprisingly, it has progressed so far that the start-up company Nebula Genomics even claims to hopefully sequence an individual’s entire genome for free. Unfortunately, nothing is ever truly free. The catch is that this usually costly procedure will only be free to those who are willing to share both their genomic and medical history. By accepting these terms and conditions the participant’s information will then help create a baseline and establish a reference population.

Aside from cost, the main concern that often influences one’s willingness to take part in the study is the level of privacy they will receive after disclosing this information. To alleviate worries, Nebula enforces the key difference of what sets them aside from other companies. To securely store information this company uses blockchain, which is a ledger system that functions on a distributed network, opposed to the common used centralized network. Nevertheless, this will network change only improves data encryption. In theory, if a warrant is obtained by federal authorities the genetic code could be obtained to be used in similar cases such as the Golden State Killer in Washington State.

Personally, I feel as if over time this company could be helpful for gathering more data will allow scientists to continue to study how genes function and what roles they play in diseases. Even though Nebula, strictly enforces the idea that their services should not be used as a sole factor for predicting medical risks, there will always be individuals who take their results too seriously. Unfortunately, when providing a service like this it may often cause controversy, but in actuality, one should be reminded that this process truly is voluntary. 

Resources: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/genetics-start-up-wants-to-sequence-peoples-genomes-for-free/?sf202560741=1