#265 Whole Genome Sequence Analysis with Nebula Genomics

Nebula Co-Founder Kamal Obbad analyzes our host Kira Dineen’s genome!

Whole genome sequencing, once a futuristic concept, has now become an integral part of the genetic landscape. When this groundbreaking technology first emerged, it came with a staggering price tag. 

Picture this: It's 2003, and the Human Genome Project has just been completed, costing nearly $3 billion to sequence a single human genome. Fast forward 20 years to today, this looks radically different. Thanks to remarkable advancements in technology, the price of whole genome sequencing has plummeted to a fraction of what it once was. 

Nebula Genomics offers consumers whole genome sequencing and lifetime memberships for only $300. Yeah, that’s it; $300. So our host Kira Dineen couldn’t resist and sent off her cheek swab to Nebula to have her whole genome sequenced for the first time. To explore the results we are joined by Kamal Obbad, who is the co-founder of Nebula Genomics. Previously, he was a product manager at Google working within Google Research and ChromeOS. Kamal was a Gates-Cambridge Scholar at the University of Cambridge and is a graduate of Harvard University. Additionally, he is a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree.

On This Episode We Discuss:

Pioneering Geneticist  Dr. George Church’s role with Nebula Genomics 

Inspiration to start Nebula Genomics 

Key benefits of having access to one's entire genome compared to limited genetic testing (like gene panels or even exomes)

How Nebula helps consumers understand the 100 GBs of data produced from their whole genome sequence 

What whole genome results provide and how scientifically accurate results are for each trait

The process to decide what categories to include in Nebula’s WGS kit including autoimmunity, behavior, cancer, cardio, metabolism, and pregnancy. 

Requirements for how much data needs to be able to back up the information in the reports

How Nebula comes up with the likelihood for behavioral traits

Exploring how people should or should not use the health related information

How often people should check back with their whole genome sequencing lab for updates

Additional traits Nebula is considering adding in the future

If you too want to have your whole genome sequenced by Nebula Genomics use code “DNATODAY” for 15% off here! We also are giving away a kit, so head over to our social media @DNATodayPodcast on Instagram, LinkedIn, X and Threads to enter. 

Keep up with Kamal on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. Also check out this cool article featuring Kamal. 

Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on December 8th! New episodes are released every Friday. In the meantime, you can binge over 260 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel.  

DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Outreach Intern is Sanya Tinaikar. Our Social Media Intern is Kajal Patel. And our Graphic Designer Ashlyn Enokian.

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