Worth It Yet?

MSN Money takes a look at personalized genomic testing, specifically focusing on the full sequencing offered by Knome. Knome's price tag has dropped from $350,000 to $99,000, while in the article George Church says that the actual cost of mapping a genome is about $5,000. MSN Money adds that Knome customers also receive "an encrypted key in a sterling-silver case engraved with the Greek words for 'know thyself'" and they can plug into their computers to use the KnomeXplorer. Blaine Bettinger at the Genetic Genealogist adds that he is encouraged by the price mentioned by Church. "I've predicted that I will be able to purchase genome sequencing for $1,000 or less by December 31, 2009. Think I'll make it?" he asks.