Gone are those days, when getting a DNA sequence mapping was a privilege for the rich and the famous. Nowadays, with the exponential advancements in medical science, the DNA mapping sequence has become a rather common occurrence that can cost you a little over a thousand dollars. As is proven by a California, United States firm, Complete Genomics has successfully mapped an entire human genome for $1,700.

The DNA sequence is a basically a string of letters and components that, are the building blocks of our existence. Until a decade ago, the Human Genome Project that was set up in the year 2000 with the sole aim of mapping the entire human genome successfully completed its mission, but at a staggering cost of $100 million. However, today’s medical advancements have provided even individual labs the ability to extract DNA sequences and conduct genome mapping for less than $48,000, which is a far less than the $100 million required for the Human Genome Project.

According to Cliff Reid (CEO, Complete Genomics),

“This high-quality, cost-effective approach to genome sequencing will allow researchers to study complete genomes from hundreds of patients with a disease to advance the understanding of the genetic causes of that disease, with an end to preventing and treating common human ailments.”

The genome mapping conducted by Complete Genomics consisted of three volunteers. The first one was a male of European origin, the second was a female of the Yoruban race and the third volunteer was a white man. The experiment was part of an international sequencing project, commonly referred to as, the International HapMap project.

Via Reuters.