Precision Medicine

We are witnessing a revolution in genomics - and it's only just begun

Molecular Genetics Technical Specialist Jaime Wendt looks at a slide containing DNA at the Human and Molecular Genetics Center Sequencing Core at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 9, 2014. Once strictly the domain of research labs, gene-sequencing tests increasingly are being used to help understand the genetic causes of rare disease, putting insurance companies in the position of deciding whether to pay the $5,000 to $17,000 for the tests. Genetics experts say that sequencing more than doubles the chances that families get a diagnosis, and saves spending on multiple tests of single genes. Even if no treatment is found, the tests can also end hugely expensive medical odysseys as parents frantically search for the cause of their child's furtive illness. Picture taken May 9, 2014

Now we can all find out exactly what makes us unwell Image: REUTERS/Jim Young

Xu Xun
President, Research, BGI
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Huge genome sequencing projects are now underway around the world
Huge genome sequencing projects are now underway around the world Image: American Journal of Human Genetics
The falling cost of genomic sequencing has outpaced Moore's Law
The falling cost of genomic sequencing has outpaced Moore's Law Image: Nature
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Precision MedicineEmerging TechnologiesGlobal HealthFourth Industrial Revolution
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