Media Release

19 October 2009

Cost of DNA sequencing plummets, opens new possibilities

DNA sequencing could change life as we know it According to a UniSA professor, DNA sequencing could soon become part of your routine medical examination and biological energy might be used to power your home.

Associate Professor Desmond Lun, Director of the Phenomics and Bioinformatics Research Centre (PBRC), will talk about the new world that is being opened up by the plummeting costs of DNA sequencing, at a free public lecture this coming Wednesday (October 21).

“It is now possible to have your DNA sequenced for around $6000,” he says.

“Just six years ago, the cost of doing this would have been around a billion dollars. It shows just how rapidly this technology is advancing.”

DNA sequencing involves creating a complete picture of your DNA profile, including the identification of your susceptibility to disease.

Prof Lun says that continuing advances in biological technologies could change life as we know it.

“Just as computers and the internet have changed the world, I believe biological technologies will change the world,” he says.

“This could soon become a part of routine medical care,” he says. “It would allow you to know the medical conditions that you are at risk of developing and would allow you to be treated more effectively, in a way that is customised to your genetic makeup.”

And it’s not just DNA sequencing that is becoming more accessible. The cost of DNA synthesis – the making of DNA molecules of a given sequence – is also rapidly decreasing.

“We can now make artificial genes for around $400,” he says.

“And if current trends continue, we will be able to make the full genome of a microbe for around $1000 in just 10 to 15 years.

“When you consider that a microbe is like a living, reproducing computer, the possibilities opened up by making them cheaply are immense. One possibility is energy – making customised microbes that can effectively harvest the power of biology for renewable energy.”

But Prof Lun says we should tread carefully.

“New technology brings new issues,” he says “Biological technologies will not only change our lives, but will also change the way we think about life itself.

“It’s vitally important that the public are well informed about what the technologies are and exactly what they mean, so that abuse can be avoided and they can be used in the most effective way for the improvement of the lives of all.”

Event details:
From Natural to Synthetic Life: How genomic technologies will change life as we know it.
11th Gift of Knowledge Lecture for 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 6pm start
Mutual Community Lecture Theatre, Basil Hetzel Building, UniSA City East Campus
Register here