NHGRI Commits $9.5 Million to Spur Innovation
This week, the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) committed an additional $9.5 million to fund advancements in genome-sequencing in pursuit of its goal to “reduce the cost of sequencing a mammalian-sized genome to approximately $1,000.” Through its “Revolutionary Genome Sequencing Technologies—The $1,000 Genome” program, the NHGRI continues to drive a remarkable decline in the cost of genomic sequencing (pdf) that leading experts, including former NHGRI Director Francis Collins, predict will soon produce a $1,000 human genome.
Earlier this week, the GLR noted that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has seen fewer applications for genomics-related trademarks, which could be an indicator of a declining rate of innovation in that area. Whether or not that is actually the case, the NHGRI continues to do its part to keep the ideas – and the funds – flowing.
