The same market forces that made computers cheaper and faster are influencing the cost of gene mapping. The team at Complete Genomics is using expertise from computer networking experience to build machines that can do genetic sequencing more quickly and more affordably. Complete Genomics is in the race to push the cost of sequencing an entire human genome below $1,000.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that another effect of overuse of antibiotics is the higher levels of death from Clostridium difficile infections (CDI). The CDC says that more than 14,000 deaths every year are linked to C. difficile-associated diarrhea and that the best way to lower these numbers is better use of antibiotics.
Doctors say that investing time to create videos and blog posts makes for more productive use of face-to-face time with patients. Inspired by the model of the Khan Academy, physicians are using social media platforms to cover frequently asked questions. This frees up time in the exam room to discuss concerns specific to an individual.
Another American-Russian partnership to develop drugs and medical devices was announced this week. Domain and Rusnano plan to invest as much as $760 million in late-stage funding for companies in Domain’s portfolio and to build a drug and medical device manufacturing plant in Russia. Rusnano is a nanotechnology firm owned by the Russian government.
