Yesterday
Nebula Genomics launched its blockchain platform and is offering consumers the possibility to have a whole genome sequence for free. For those who qualify for the free sequencing, although users won’t pay money for the process, they will provide the data to researchers in exchange for covering the cost. Most DNA tests such as 23andMe only perform partial genome sequencing and consumers pay for it.
Nebula‘s purpose is to advance biomedical research. If a consumer wants a free DNA test, they need to answer a series of health-related questions for which they will earn Nebula credits. The credits can go towards the DNA sequencing costs. The data is shared with pharma companies and academic researchers who may be interested in paying for the full sequencing costs.
For example, if your family has a history of a particular disease, or you suffer from an illness, your DNA data will be useful for researchers exploring medication or cures. But for research to really work, mass data is needed. 23andMe and ancestry.com still only cover a small fraction of the population.
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