• Home
  • About Genetic Genealogy
  • About
  • Archives
  • Featured Articles

The Genetic Genealogist

Adding DNA to the Genealogist's Toolbox

The $1,000 Genome by the End of 2009?

September 26th, 2008 in DNA Databases, DNA in the News, DNA Studies |

On December 30th, 2007, I blogged the following:

“[A]ffordable whole-genome sequencing is getting closer and closer every day (my prediction – which is based solely on my own educated guess – is that I will be able to sequence my entire genome for $1,000 or less by the end of 2009).”

It was pretty bold at the time, and I’ve since wondered if I was too optimistic, but now comes news that at least one other person agrees with my prediction.  Harvard professor and genetics researcher George Church – also principal investigator for the Personal Genome Project (PGP) – stated at two conferences, one last week and one this week, that by mid-October of 2008, 36-fold coverage of the human genome will be available for $5,000.  Church went on to say that the $1,000 human genome will be available by the end of 2009.

For more information about Church’s statements, see “PGP to Publish Initial Data Sets Next Month As Church Predicts $1,000 Genome in 2009” (registration required) at In Sequence, and a blog post by John Moore of Chilmark Research who attended a “Personal Genomics” session at this year’s EmTech (where Church reiterated the $5,000 and $1,000 hallmarks) .

The Personal Genome Project

At the same Yale University symposium where he discussed the crashing price of sequencing, Church announced that the PGP plans to publish data gathered from the “First 10″ (see here and here for the identities and backgrounds of the First 10) on October 21st at the PGP website.  These 10 volunteers will meet on October 20th to review their data and give permission to proceed.

Also, according to the In Sequence article, Church has indicated that “approximately 5,000 volunteers are currently ‘queued up at the entrance exam stage’” for the next round of the PGP.

Post to Twitter

← Ancestral GPS – Pinpointing the Geographic Origin of Autosomal DNA Sequences
Abstracts From the ASHG 2008 Meeting →

10 Responses to “ The $1,000 Genome by the End of 2009? ”

  1. # 1 Extropolitica Says:
    September 26th, 2008 at 5:40 pm

    The $1,000 Genome by the End of 2009? » The Genetic GenealogistGeorge Church, professore ad Harvard e ricercatore nel campo della genetica, nonchè principale ricercatore nel Personal Genome Project ha dichiarato in due conferenze nell’ultima settimana che per metà ottobre 2008 sarà disponibile per 5.000 $ sarà pos

  2. # 2 Genea-Musings Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

    which can ultimately be used to identify her father. “How will autosomal (non-sex chromosome) DNA reveal her father’s identity? As genomic sequencing becomes cheaper and cheaper, it will be possible to sequence an entire genome relatively cheap (first under $1,000, then eventually under $100). With this technology, genealogical and medical organizations will use vast autosomal DNA and family chart databases to trace genes and mutations through genealogies. SMGF

  3. # 3 Identifying an Unknown Parent Using Genetic Genealogy » The Genetic Genealogist Says:
    September 29th, 2008 at 3:01 am

    [...] becomes cheaper and cheaper, it will be possible to sequence an entire genome relatively cheap (first under $1,000, then eventually under $100).  With this technology, genealogical and medical organizations will [...]

  4. # 4 Personalized Genetics: On the train again « ScienceRoll Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 2:51 pm

    [...] data for 1000$. We thought we could reach that goal in the next couple of years, but according to Blaine Bettinger’s post, it might be done by the end of [...]

  5. # 5 Gene Genie 38: Back in action! « ScienceRoll Says:
    October 12th, 2008 at 12:32 pm

    [...] Blaine Bettinger at The Genetic Genealogist informed us when we can have the first $1,000 genome. [...]

  6. # 6 Estropico Blog: Screen genetico per 1.000 $ entro la fine del 2009? Says:
    October 14th, 2008 at 10:38 pm

    [...] George Church, professore ad Harvard e ricercatore nel campo della genetica, nonchè principale ricercatore nel Personal Genome Project ha dichiarato in due conferenze nell’ultima settimana che per metà ottobre 2008 sarà disponibile per 5.000 $ la “36-fold coverage of the human genome” (in pratica, il genoma umano deve essere letto più volte e i risultati elaborati al computer attraverso sofisticati programmi per ottenere dei risultati affidabili). Ma, a quanto pare, si è anche lasciato andare alla previsione che sarà possibile sequenzializzare l’intero genoma di una persona per 1000$ antro la fine del 2009. Il Personal Genome Project ha intenzione di pubblicare i dati relativi alla sequenzializzazione dei primi 10 volontari il 21 Ottobre, dopo aver incontrato i volontari il 20 Ottobre per rivedere i loro dati e ottenere il loro permesso. Ci sono già altri 5.000 volontari in lista d’attesa per essere esaminati nella prossima serie di sequenzializzazioni.Su The Genetic Genealogist: The $1,000 Genome by the End of 2009? [...]

  7. # 7 Worth It Yet? | The Daily Scan | GenomeWeb Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    [...] 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 [...]

  8. # 8 Next Generation Sequencing » The human genome October sale is open! Says:
    August 26th, 2009 at 7:32 am

    [...] month, several sources – including the Genetic Genealogist – quoted George Church for claiming that the cost of sequencing a human genome would drop to 5000$ [...]

  9. # 9 Accelerating Future, Part 2 | techencoder Says:
    January 23rd, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    [...] The first genome cost 2.7 billion US dollars.  This price dropped to $2,000,000 by 2007 and $1000 is coming in 2009 or 2010. [...]

  10. # 10 GenF20HGH Says:
    January 28th, 2010 at 8:56 am

    What are the benefits or uses of whole genome sequencing. If the price comes down to an affordable level, who will be in the market for this service?

  • About

    The Genetic Genealogist examines the intersection of traditional genealogical techniques and modern genetic research. The blog also explores the latest news and developments in the related field of personal genomics. To learn more about me or about genetic genealogy, please explore the site.
  • My NEW eBook!

    Download my FREE 28-page eBook:
    "I Have The Results of My Genetic Genealogy Test, Now What?"


  • Search TGG

  • Connect

    Follow Blaine at Twitter


  • Categories

  • Subscribe


    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner





  • Google
  • Blaine T. Bettinger
    Blaine T. Bettinger Reviews
    powered by Speaker Mix


The Genetic Genealogist © 2007 - 2008 All Rights Reserved. Powered by WordPress
Process in 28 queries. 1.630 seconds.

Graphite 2.2 made by Nurudin Jauhari
Entries and Comments.