Google Founder Helps Patients with Cost of Gene Analysis

Google founder Sergey Brin who recently discovered he carries a gene increasing his risk of developing Parkinson's disease has agreed to fund most of the cost of genetic analysis for 10,000 patients already diagnosed with the disease. Analyses will be performed by 23andMe, a genetics company part led by Brin's wife. As a result of Brin's offer the cost of genomic analysis will be reduced from $400 to only $25 (plus sample shipping charges). The offer is open on a first-come, first-served basis to the next 10,000 Parkinson's patients wishing to participate in the study and agreeing to provide necessary information about their disease. Wired blog carried the story and a link is available here. Another article can be found here.