Complete Genomics facts for kids

Complete Genomics is a science company that works with DNA. They have created special tools and software to read and understand human DNA. This helps scientists learn more about our bodies and health. The company provides detailed reports about a person's unique genetic information.

What is Complete Genomics?

Complete Genomics helps scientists study human DNA. They use a special method called DNA sequencing. This method reads the tiny building blocks of our genes. The company also has computer programs to manage and understand this huge amount of data. Their goal is to provide full reports about a person's genes.

How Complete Genomics Started

Complete Genomics was founded in June 2005. The main founders were Clifford Reid, Radoje (Rade) Drmanac, and John Curson. Clifford Reid was the leader of the company for many years. He left in 2015 to start a new company called Genos.

Key Milestones in Their History

In February 2009, Complete Genomics announced a big step. They had successfully read the entire genome of a human for the first time. A genome is like a complete instruction book for a person. They shared this information with a public science database.

Later in 2009, they shared more findings. They published the DNA information of three human genomes in a famous science magazine called Science. By the end of that year, they had sequenced 50 human genomes. Today, they have sequenced over 20,000 human genomes!

How Their Work Helps Science

The information from these genomes helps scientists in many ways. It supports research in different areas like:

• Studying embryos (early stages of development).
• Finding genetic links between family members.
• Understanding brain conditions (like in neurology).
• Learning about aging and how our bodies change.
• Studying rare diseases that affect muscles and the heart.
• Researching eating disorders and conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome and autism.
• Helping with eye health (in ophthalmology).
• Working on cancer research (in oncology).

In 2014, Complete Genomics worked with universities to study intellectual disability. They used whole genome sequencing to find major causes of this condition. In 2016, they also shared over 184 human genomes for a big science project.

In 2019, they introduced a new technology. It helps build long DNA molecules from shorter pieces. This makes it easier to study complex parts of DNA.

Becoming Part of a Bigger Group

In March 2013, a company from China called BGI Group bought Complete Genomics. After this, Complete Genomics moved to San Jose. In June 2018, it became part of MGI. MGI was originally part of BGI Group. It later became its own separate company in 2022.

How Their Technology Works

Complete Genomics has special technology just for human DNA. It helps them put together DNA sequences and find differences in genes. This technology uses something called DNA nanoball sequencing. This method combines small pieces of DNA to create a full genome. It is designed to use less material and read many DNA bases at once.

In 2023, Complete Genomics launched new DNA sequencing machines. These are called DNBSEQ-T20. They are designed to read DNA in very large amounts. They also aim to do this at a lower cost than older machines. This could make genetic testing more affordable for everyone. It might also help bring about "precision medicine." This is when doctors use a person's unique genes to choose the best treatments.

However, these new machines are very powerful. They are best for huge projects. Scientists are still waiting to see how well they work for everyday research.

See also

In Spanish: Complete Genomics para niños