Ill. scientists seek cheaper DNA method

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Two University of Illinois professors are working on a DNA sequencing technique that could cost as little as $1,000 per person.

The expense and length of the current genome sequencing process prevents it from being done for individuals, meaning it has limited use in testing people for genetic conditions, the Champaign (Ill.) News-Gazette reported Sunday.

But the technique being developed by University of Illinois Professors Aleksei Aksimentiev and Gregory Timp, which involves pushing DNA molecules through tiny pores built into a silicon chip, could drastically shorten and cheapen the process, making it possible for average individuals to have their complete DNA sequences mapped, the newspaper said.

While the technique is in the development phase -- and faces some significant hurdles including finding silicone chips that can function in the presence of saline DNA material -- if it works it could be quickly expanded to serve a large number of people, the professors said.