In May, researchers at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, Calif., and the University of California-San Francisco launched the largest human genome study of its kind using high-speed robotics and computer analysis, the New York Times reports.
The study aims to use computer analysis to identify the genetic roots of diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
More than 130,000 Kaiser members in Northern California already have provided voluntary saliva samples, and 400,000 additional DNA samples are expected to be collected in the coming years.
The genomes of 2,500 participants are analyzed by high-precision robots each week, and the results are stored in computers for future research.
According to the Times, the collection, purification and digitization of the genetic data is expected to be completed in less than 18 months (Russell, New York Times, 5/28).