Thursday, April 23, 2009

X Prize Foundation Puts DNA Mapping Up For Bid On eBay

Playa Vista-based X Prize Foundation is taking an unusual approach to fund its nonprofit efforts, and is auctioning off a complete gene sequencing to the highest bidder on eBay. The auction--which starts at $68,000--will give the winner a completely sequenced, readout of their genetic map. The foundation is tapping DNA sequencing firm Knome for the prize, which usually costs nearly $100,000. Full mapping of a DNA sequence is still a labor-intensive process, and usually only done as part of more extensive scientific efforts. The auction will go to help fund the foundation's efforts to accelerate personalized medicine. The auction starts Friday, and runs until May 4th.