Does anyone remember the news story from last year about the X-Prize Foundation? This is the group that sponsored a multi-million dollar contest to develop a viable commercial spacecraft that could open up the space frontier to everyone. Well, they’re at it again – and in my opinion doing something even more important – challenging science to conquer the inner frontier, our genome.
Currently, genome mapping is time-consuming and expensive. The X-Prize Foundation is offering a $10 million dollar prize as an incentive to discover a method that would make genome sequencing a practical diagnostic tool for physicians.
Here’s what the foundation has to say about the project. Ladies and gentleman – start your minds. The race has begun!
On October 4, 2006, the X PRIZE Foundation announced the launch of its second prize — the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics. The $10 million cash prize has been created to revolutionize the medical world. The launch was attended by visionaries and entrepreneurs from around the globe who recognize the significance and impact that the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics will have on the fields of medicine and research. Scientists know that a map of our genome holds boundless potential, ranging from identifying our susceptibility to disease to discovering cures for cancer. But since 1953, when James Watson and Francis Crick concluded that DNA contained the "stuff of life," only a handful of human genomes have been mapped. In fact, it still takes many months and millions of dollars to sequence a single genome. Understanding our genomes may help delay or even prevent disease. For those suffering from genetic illnesses, personal genetic information can determine which medicines will drive their disease into remission without negative side-effects. The Archon X PRIZE for Genomics challenges scientists and engineers to create better, cheaper and faster ways to sequence genomes. The knowledge gained by compiling and comparing a library of human genomes will create a new era of preventive and personalized medicine — and transform medical care from reactive to proactive. The X PRIZE Foundation and scientists the world over dream of the day when we fully understand the human genetic blueprint — enabling us to make informed decisions about our own health and create a brighter future for generations to come. Please join the X Foundation in our challenge to create a breakthrough in genomics that will benefit all of humanity. Join the Revolution
Currently, genome mapping is time-consuming and expensive. The X-Prize Foundation is offering a $10 million dollar prize as an incentive to discover a method that would make genome sequencing a practical diagnostic tool for physicians.
Here’s what the foundation has to say about the project. Ladies and gentleman – start your minds. The race has begun!
On October 4, 2006, the X PRIZE Foundation announced the launch of its second prize — the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics. The $10 million cash prize has been created to revolutionize the medical world. The launch was attended by visionaries and entrepreneurs from around the globe who recognize the significance and impact that the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics will have on the fields of medicine and research. Scientists know that a map of our genome holds boundless potential, ranging from identifying our susceptibility to disease to discovering cures for cancer. But since 1953, when James Watson and Francis Crick concluded that DNA contained the "stuff of life," only a handful of human genomes have been mapped. In fact, it still takes many months and millions of dollars to sequence a single genome. Understanding our genomes may help delay or even prevent disease. For those suffering from genetic illnesses, personal genetic information can determine which medicines will drive their disease into remission without negative side-effects. The Archon X PRIZE for Genomics challenges scientists and engineers to create better, cheaper and faster ways to sequence genomes. The knowledge gained by compiling and comparing a library of human genomes will create a new era of preventive and personalized medicine — and transform medical care from reactive to proactive. The X PRIZE Foundation and scientists the world over dream of the day when we fully understand the human genetic blueprint — enabling us to make informed decisions about our own health and create a brighter future for generations to come. Please join the X Foundation in our challenge to create a breakthrough in genomics that will benefit all of humanity. Join the Revolution
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