The Personal Genome Project

Harvard's George Church (with help from Google) plans to identify the genetic variations of 100,000 people (and perhaps eventually 1,000,000 people), and associate their gene variants with their health and family disease history.

According to a recent article in Bloomberg:

By matching genetic data from each person with his or her health history, Church would build a database that would link DNA variations and disease for scientists and drugmakers, the first step in deciding on treatments that can block the mutations or adjust how they work within the body. Church also said he'll explore other human traits under genetic control. Participants will give facial and body measurements, tell researchers what time they get up in the morning, and detail other behaviors, he said.

Previously, it's been difficult for scientists to determine which specific gene variants are responsible for disease, without having this much data to analyze.  There are 3 million "single letter" DNA differences between people (which account for 10% of the total genetic variation).  In order to make statistically valid associations between genetic variation and disease, you need to study the gene variants of hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of people.

Google is positioning itself to help consumers keep track of their complex genetic data, and self-manage their electronic healthcare records.  The U.S. Congress is lagging behind the rapid technology advances, and should immediately pass legislation that prohibits any genetic discrimination, especially by insurance providers.