The UK has a huge opportunity to lead the world in disease discovery, treatments and cures. But support from the NHS and better data collection is needed if Britain is not to lose out in the coming genomics revolution, leading scientists believe.
The cost of whole genome sequencing – mapping the DNA code of any human being – is dropping through the floor, from £750m for the first-ever sequence to probably as little as £1,000 soon. Experts say it will soon be as cost‑effective to carry out a whole genome sequence on a patient as to do one or two genetic tests. They see a time in the not too distant future when it could be normal to sequence the genome of every newborn baby.
Additional Resources:
- “A need to know the worst news you will ever hear,” CBS News
Read the original article here: Genomics revolution: UK could miss the boat, scientists warn