Google Health - Human Genome Project

[enevitable]

So recently Google unleashed its new concept - Google Health.

Pretty simple concept, it allows for a central repository of health information, allowing doctors to access patient records and what not to allow for greater treatment of patients, and easier lookup of allergies/immunizations/etc.

Security implications aside, I'm sure we can all agree that this is a pretty amazing idea right?

Well now lets complicate that:
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/health/2...ogle-backs.htm

In cohorts with Harvard funding, they are discussing starting a billion dollar gene sequencing project that will put the human genome project to shame.

In comparison, the human genome project used around 13 samples to sequence the human genome.

The project that they are wanting to take on would involve at minimum 100,000, and if they can secure more funding, 1 million.

Google Health would allegedly serve as a database of every single persons genome, and would allow scientists to compare DNA with hereditary diseases and perfect one of the last frontiers we have last to perfect: genetic perfection. Yep you heard me, the days of Gattica are coming.

By matching genetic data from each person with his or her health history, Church would build a database that would link DNA variations and disease for scientists and drugmakers, the first step in deciding on treatments that can block the mutations or adjust how they work within the body.

Now for the philosophy of it all, how does it make you feel that you now know we are one step closer to a future where our genetic makeup will determine our future?

There are many ways in which making genetic information public might hurt people, she said. Health insurers may not want to offer coverage to people with inherited risks of cancer or heart disease; other family member may be affected.

[scoobydooby67]

terrifying.

[seahag]

thats disgusting\

[bkadoctaj]

Originally Posted by seahag

thats disgusting\

hehehe Pick a universe... any universe.

[mrblonde77]

I can't see how they'll be able to do this with privacy rights the way they are. If somehow medical records are put under freedom of information, then I can see it, and it'd be really neat. I think it would really lead to some astounding discoveries, but I don't see the prerequiste being met in the US in the near future. Maybe they could start it by asking people to volunteer their DNA, I'm sure they'd get a fair turnout. I'd be in for sure. It's all about knowledge.