23andMe - Genetics Just Got (!TOO!) Personal

So let’s go step by step. Firstly - what is 23andMe (Wikipedia):

23andMe is a privately held biotechnology company that is developing new ways to help people make sense of their own genetic information. Google has invested $3.9M in the company. Genentech is also reported to have invested in 23andMe.

Anne Wojcicki, the wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, is to launch 23andme Monday — it appears they are already taking orders now though.

So it seams Sergey is financing his wife’s dreams. Which is a great thing to do.
What does 23andMe offer?

23andMe is a web-based service that helps you read and understand your DNA. After providing a saliva sample using an at-home kit, you can use our interactive tools to shed new light on your distant ancestors, your close family and most of all, yourself.

And what’s the price?

For $999 you will receive a complete DNA scan that reveals your ancestry, what your risk factor for developing certain diseases is, and will keep you up-to-date with the latest medical advancements that directly affect you.

Nice. So no more need to go to the doctors :) Just give Google $999 so they can make a DNA scan (and store the data safely) and you will know your future medical conditions… Come on, I don’t want to know my future medical conditions, I don’t even want to know where my ancestors came from but most importantly I don’t want Google to know my DNA and connect it to my Google, Blogger, Gmail, Analytics (…) accounts. A similar scenario can be viewed in the following video (Google Masterplan, The Movie). Enjoy!