News:What happens when a bioinformatician has his own genome sequenced for $300?

Question

[David Langenberger]

Of Course! He goes even deeper by analyzing the analysis itself!

Unveil the mysteries of genetics as a bioinformatician explores his own DNA through affordable consumer whole-genome sequencing. With raw data provided by Nebula Genomics, he navigates the depths of his genetic code, from quality assessment to alignments and variant detection. Discover the impressive coverage, uncover hidden microbial insights, and delve into the fascinating world of DNA variants. This captivating article showcases the power of accessible genomic exploration, offering remarkable insights into personal genomics. Unleash the potential of your own DNA and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Link to article

[colindaven]

Interesting, thanks. Looks like it has different pricing now, 175 + 12.50 per month membership, and not $300.

[Matthias Zepper]

Yes, the prices for those consumer WGS services vary greatly throughout the year. If they desperately need to fill the flow cell, Dantelabs sometimes offers 30x WGS on NovaSeq 6000 for 175-200 Euros.

[David Langenberger]

Exactly. You have already answered the question yourself. When we ordered it, about 6 months ago, it cost $300.

Answer 1

[JohnBlue81]

What measures are in place to safeguard the privacy of users' DNA data when utilizing affordable sequencing services? Understanding the importance of data privacy, it's essential to explore how companies like Nebula Genomics address this concern and ensure the confidentiality and security of genetic information.

[Alex Reynolds]

Looks like Nebula Genomics does use your data outside of what you are purchasing, though they claim they only use that data which does not personally identify you. However, the scope of that isn't defined in the privacy policy — which can change based on geographic region — and so-called pseudonymized data (as defined in the United States, say) can retain personal data.

The decreasing price of sequencing is interesting, but how much of the decrease in cost comes from improvements in technology, and how much of it comes from licensing deals? That matter might be worth an article in itself.

• https://nebulagenomics.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/14126324560660-Nebula-Genomics-Privacy-Policy-2023
• https://www.ga4gh.org/news_item/can-genomic-data-be-anonymised/

[David Langenberger]

In the end, you have to take into account that when companies offer something so cheap, they always want to collect data. So be sure to read and understand the exact privacy policy before sending a saliva sample there.

Answer 2

[Lars]

How much cheaper can sequencing get? As the cost of sequencing continues to fall, the question naturally arises as to how much further this trend can go. Are there limits or obstacles that could prevent sequencing from becoming even more affordable?

[Alex Reynolds]

In the US, at least, insurance companies are middlemen who demand their cut, to deliver a return to shareholders. That market inefficiency probably helps set the lower limit for what sequencing could cost an average patient.