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Several articles with a personal genomics theme popped up today.
Most importantly, this piece in the Times by Mark Henderson is a superb analysis of the current state and likely future of the personal genomics industry, and a must-read for anyone interested in the field.Henderson notes that despite the turmoil in the industry in 2009, it's still unclear which of the disparate models adopted by competitors in the industry (e.g. 23andMe's curiosity-driven "genomics is fun" approach, or Navigenics' sombre, paternalistic, health-focused image) will prove the most successful in the long run:> The success or failure of these competing visions will do much to determine the patient experience of the genetic age, and whether direct-to-consumer genomics becomes more than a passing phase. Will we take control of our DNA as individuals, to explore our inheritance, to meet new friends and relatives, and to participate in research? Or will DNA become just another kind of routine medical information, such as cholesterol or blood pressure, which we get through a GP? A lot will depend on which model proves more popular.
The article contains plenty of juicy detail, so go read it all.Henderson also has two other articles out today that are well worth checking out: a piece exploring the implications of David Goldstein's recent prediction in*Nature *that genetic research findings will "substantially increase interest in embryonic and other screening programmes"; and another brief piece on growing concerns about the privacy of personal genomic data.In New Scientist, Peter Aldhous reviews Francis Collins' new book on personalised medicine, taking issue with Collins' more vague descriptions of the benefits of personalising treatment and describing the NIH head as "a cheerleader for a revolution that hasn't arrived quite yet". Finally, Genomics Law Report's Dan Vorhaus asks five questions for personal genomics in 2010 - and nails several of the key areas yet to be resolved as the industry stumbles into its third year, under an economic cloud and facing tremendous financial and regulatory uncertainty.Enjoy!
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