Google DeepMind Unveils AlphaGenome: AI Tool to Decode DNA Mutations and Advance Precision Medicine

Google DeepMind has unveiled AlphaGenome, a breakthrough AI tool designed to predict the molecular impact of DNA mutations and accelerate biological discoveries. Published in Nature on January 28, 2026, AlphaGenome uses deep learning to analyze complex genetic sequences, helping scientists identify disease-causing mutations and understand how genetic changes influence health.

What AlphaGenome Does

• Interpret DNA mutations by analyzing millions of genetic letters and predicting their molecular consequences.
• Identify disease-causing genes, including those linked to cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and mental health conditions.
• Accelerate drug discovery by highlighting potential therapeutic targets.
• Enable faster biological research by reducing the time needed to analyze genetic data compared to traditional methods.

Why It Matters

• Healthcare Impact: AlphaGenome could transform precision medicine by helping clinicians understand which mutations are benign and which are pathogenic.
• Drug Development: By predicting how mutations affect proteins and cellular processes, it provides insights for pharmaceutical companies to design targeted therapies.
• Scientific Discovery: It offers researchers a powerful tool to decode the genome and uncover new biological mechanisms.

Comparison with Other AI in Genomics

Tool	Developer	Focus	Key Advantage
AlphaFold	DeepMind	Protein structure prediction	Revolutionized structural biology
AlphaGenome	DeepMind	DNA mutation impact	Predicts functional consequences of genetic variants
Enformer	Google Research	Gene expression prediction	Specialized in regulatory DNA regions
EVE (Evolutionary Model)	Harvard/Google	Variant pathogenicity	Uses evolutionary data for predictions

Risks & Challenges

• Clinical Validation: Predictions must be rigorously tested before being applied in patient care.
• Data Bias: AI models depend on training data; incomplete or biased datasets could affect accuracy.
• Ethical Concerns: Widespread use raises questions about genetic privacy and responsible application in healthcare.

Looking Ahead

AlphaGenome is available via API, allowing researchers worldwide to integrate it into their workflows. Its release signals a new era where AI becomes central to genomics and precision medicine, potentially reshaping how we diagnose, treat, and prevent genetic diseases.

Leads Agri Genetics Launches India’s 1st Privately-Owned Integrated CoE for Cattle & Plant Genomics

• Leads Agri Genetics initiative is a giant leap in advancing India’s agricultural biotechnology and livestock genomics capabilities.
• The Centre of Excellence (CoE) and laboratory will have a full-stack genomics service platform designed exclusively for the agri-genomics and agricultural biotechnology sector.

Leads Agri Genetics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leads Connect launched India’s first privately-owned Integrated Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Cattle and Plant Genomics Laboratory in Greater Noida. This landmark initiative is a giant leap by Leads Connect in advancing India’s agricultural biotechnology and livestock genomics capabilities. Leads Agri Genetics is also the first Indian private company to have imported the Gir embryos - genetic material from Brazil to India under Breed Improvement Program.

The new centre was inaugurated by Mr. Ghanshyam Khandelwal, Chairman, BL Agro, India’s leading FMCG brand and the holding company of Leads Connect. The Centre of Excellence (CoE) aims to catapult India at the forefront of global agri-genomics research and innovation. The newly launched Leads Agri Genetics Lab will have a full-stack genomics service platform that is designed exclusively for the agri-genomics and agricultural biotechnology sector.

Shri Ghanshyam Khandelwal, Chairman of BL Agro Group, addressed the media during the launch event, expressing his strong support for government initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of farmers. He emphasized the importance of genomics studies in enhancing agricultural productivity and yield. He said, such advancements will not only benefit the farming community but also contribute to the overall well-being of society.

Speaking on the inauguration, Navneet Ravikar, Group Chairman & Managing Director, Leads Connect Services said, “Indian agriculture is at an inflection point. Sustainability, climate challenges and pressure on higher yields are stressing the resources thin for our farmers. Our newly inaugurated Centre of Excellence for Cattle and Plant Genomics Laboratory is a landmark step towards self-reliance in agricultural biotechnology. With world-class genomic capabilities, we aim to empower India’s researchers, breeders, and farmers to innovate faster, build resilience, and create a sustainable future for agriculture.”

Leads Agri Genetics Centre of Excellence in Greater Noida

Leads Agri Genetics Centre of Excellence in Greater Noida 

Industry veteran with over two decades of experience Dr. Ashish Dubey is the Chief Business Officer of Integrated Centre of Excellence for Cattle and Plant Genomics Laboratory. Dr. Dubey, who also co-founded Redcliffe Labs, India’s fourth-largest diagnostics laboratory, is an expert in genomics projects spanning agriculture, human health, and diagnostics will strengthen the lab’s mission to advance genetic diversity research and genomic selection in cattle and crops.

“Genomics has transformed global science in the last decade, and agriculture stands to benefit immensely. At Leads Agri Genetics, our focus is on delivering end-to-end genomics solutions—from trait discovery to breeding acceleration—that directly impact productivity, sustainability, and food security,” said Dr. Ashish Dubey, CBO, Leads Agri Genetics.

Genomics has evolved over the decade exponentially due to its affordability and immense usage across the species including humans, plants and animals. After the Human Genome Project in 2003, there has been a paradigm shift in the field of research. The outcome from Genomics using Genomics selection in cattle and trait improvement in plants has been the biggest success stories with new GM Crops to BT cotton, and ultimately helping humankind for the sustainable and safer future.

By integrating world-class sequencing, genotyping, and bioinformatics, the lab empowers crop, livestock, and microbial researchers to accelerate trait discovery, breeding, and innovation with unmatched precision. The laboratory houses a cutting-edge suite of instruments including Illumina IScan for high-throughput SNP genotyping, NovaSeq for deep resequencing, PacBio and Oxford Nanopore for long-read assembly and structural variation analysis, and 10X Chromium for linked-read and single-cell assays. Together, this unique technology stack enables discovery across the full spectrum of genetic variation—from single nucleotide changes to complex structural rearrangements and haplotype phasing.

With access to multiple complementary sequencing and genotyping platforms, the Leads Agri Genetics Lab offers unmatched versatility, completeness, and customization. From comprehensive variant discovery and trait mapping to high-quality reference genome assembly and advanced transcriptomics, the lab is equipped to address challenges across crops, livestock, pests, and microbiomes—including non-model and polyploid species.

About Leads Agri-Genetics Pvt Ltd

Leads Agri-Genetics Pvt Ltd, a part of the renowned BL Agro Group, is advancing agriculture through Genetic Innovation. It is a pioneering force in agri-genomics, leveraging cutting-edge genetic research to revolutionize both animal and plant agriculture. By integrating advanced DNA sequencing, precision breeding, and data-driven genomic selection, the company aims to transform the way food is produced- ensuring higher yields, improved quality, and greater adaptability to climate change.

By bridging science and practical application, we empower farmers, agribusinesses, and research institutions to unlock the full potential of genetics in agriculture. Through continuous research, innovation, and collaboration, our company is driving a more resilient, productive, a n d sustainable agricultural future.

About Leads Connect Services

Leads Connect Services Pvt. Ltd. is a leading agri-tech, data-driven risk management, and financial services company committed to empowering rural, semi-urban, and urban economies within the agri-management ecosystem. By integrating cutting-edge technology with deep domain expertise, the company offers customized solutions spanning crop monitoring, risk analytics, and financial inclusion.

Its portfolio includes advanced agri-risk management services, such as automated identification of sowing and harvesting windows, crop phenology dynamics, acreage assessment, crop health and damage assessment, and yield modeling. The company has also developed an innovative framework to generate agri-credit scores, strengthening access to formal finance for farmers and agri-stakeholders.

From Genes to Genius: India Launches Landmark Health Biobank

The Phenome India National Biobank, inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in New Delhi, is a state-of-the-art facility designed to collect and store genomic, lifestyle, and clinical data from 10,000 individuals across India.

This initiative captures India's vast diversity—geographically, ethnically, and socio-economically—and is modeled after global benchmarks like the UK Biobank.

Why It Matters

• Decode complex diseases like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and rare genetic disorders
• Enable early diagnosis and targeted therapies
• Support AI-driven diagnostics and gene-guided treatments
• Track long-term health trajectories and gene-environment interactions

Scientific and Societal Impact

• Addresses India-specific health challenges such as central obesity in lean individuals
• Enables population-specific health strategies
• Bridges the gap between lab research and real-world application
• Supports India’s leadership in CRISPR, quantum tech, and antimicrobial resistance research

Core Technologies Powering the Biobank

Technology	Purpose	Application
Genomic Sequencing	Decoding individual DNA	Identifies genetic variants linked to diseases like cancer, diabetes, and rare disorders
CRISPR-based Genome Editing	Functional genomics and therapeutic research	Enables gene-function studies and potential gene therapies for conditions like sickle cell anemia
AI & Machine Learning	Pattern recognition and predictive modeling	Powers diagnostics, risk stratification, and personalized treatment recommendations
Big Data Analytics	Integration of multi-modal datasets	Analyzes genomic, clinical, and lifestyle data across 10,000+ individuals
Digital Health Platforms	Real-time data collection and monitoring	Supports longitudinal tracking of health outcomes and lifestyle factors
Biobanking Infrastructure	Secure sample storage and retrieval	Preserves biological specimens (blood, tissue, etc.) under controlled conditions for future research

Research Focus Areas

• Gene-environment interactions
• Population-specific health strategies
• AI-driven diagnostics
• Drug development and antimicrobial resistance

Strategic Integration

• Complementing India’s broader scientific ecosystem
• Leveraging quantum computing for high-throughput data processing
• Collaborating with CSIR, DBT, and industry for translational research
• Implementing ethical frameworks for data governance and privacy

The Phenome India Biobank is not just a data repository—it is a national health intelligence engine poised to transform healthcare and biomedical research in India.

4baseCare Launches New Genomics Lab in Bengaluru, Unveils Global Cancer Diversity Atlas

4baseCare, a precision oncology company, inaugurated its new genomics laboratory in Mahadevapura, Bengaluru, as a part of its consistent efforts to advance access to precision oncology in India. The highlight of the launch event was the unveiling of Global Cancer Diversity Atlas (GCDA) aimed at addressing the genomics data gap that exists in cancer care.

The launch event was presided over by Mr. N. R. Narayana Murthy, Chairman, Infosys, who also unveiled the Global Cancer Diversity Atlas. In attendance were Ganapathy Subramaniam, Founding Managing Partner at Yali Capital, Rajan Anandan, Managing Director , Peak XV Partners, and founders of 4baseCare, Hitesh Goswami and Kshitij Rishi.

 

4baseCare’s new genomics lab in Bengaluru will offer advanced genomic testing solutions including comprehensive gene panels, whole exome sequencing, and transcriptome analysis. These tools will enable oncologists to delve deeper into the genetic makeup of tumors, offering personalized and more effective cancer treatment options.

The Global Cancer Diversity Atlas (GCDA) is a pioneering initiative by 4baseCare designed to address a critical gap in global cancer research: the lack of genomic data from diverse populations. While most cancer genomic datasets are dominated by Western populations, GCDA is built on real-world data from India and the Global South, including South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central Europe, and Latin America. GCDA is the world’s most inclusive cancer genomics dataset, transforming how we develop diagnostics, conduct research, and deliver cancer care so that every patient, everywhere, is truly seen and understood.

Commenting on the new lab and the unveiling of GCDA, Hitesh Goswami, CEO and Co-Founder, 4baseCare, said, “Our new genomics lab and the unveiling of the GCDA are driven by a single goal of creating better access to precision oncology. One of the key challenges in cancer care today is the lack of genomic data from Indian and Asian populations. This data gap has a significant impact on the effectiveness of cancer diagnostics and treatment strategies for under-represented communities.”

“At 4baseCare, we have firsthand seen the kind of real-world impact our genetic tests have had on cancer patients because of the right genomic data sets. Through our lab, we are creating an infrastructure to build population-specific genomic data at scale. And with GCDA, our aim is to close the diversity gap in cancer research that can change how cancer diagnosis and treatment is approached worldwide”, Hitesh added.

About 4baseCare

Founded in 2018 by Hitesh Goswami and Kshitij Rishi, 4baseCare has been a pioneer in launching unique solutions in cancer care to support oncologists match patients with the right targeted therapy based on biomarker identification. 4baseCare’s best-in-class genomic-based tests include #IndiaKaGenePanel, Indiegene which is the world's first Indian population specific cancer gene panel for biomarker testing.

4baseCare is an Illumina accelerator company, backed by Infosys Innovation fund. 4baseCare also secured 6 million in series A funding round from Yali Capital, is the first Asia/Pacific company to be selected for Illumina’s accelerator program in 2019. 4baseCare has also been awarded a 5 Million INR Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG), a flagship scheme of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public Sector Undertaking the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. Very recently,

4baseCare has expanded its global footprint by launching operations in Dubai by establishing a state-of-the-art genomics laboratory at Dubai Science Park, in collaboration with Innovate Life Sciences. The facility has recently earned CAP Accreditation. Strengthening its international presence, the company inaugurated a new lab in the Philippines in May 2025, in partnership with LINCs Philippines.

For more details, visit, https://4basecare.com/

AIIMS Jammu and 4baseCare Launches Centre for Advanced Genomics & Precision Medicine

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has officially initiated laboratory operations with the illumina NextSeq 2000 sequencing machine, at its newly established Centre for Advanced Genomics & Precision Medicine — marking a transformative step toward making affordable, precision-driven cancer care accessible to patients across India.

Inaugurating the state-of-the-art facility were key dignitaries, including Prof. (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu; Lt Gen Dr Sunil Kant, Dean Research and Medical Superintendent; Prof. Dr Meeta Gupta, Dean (Academics); Prof. Dr Shabab L Angurana, Associate Dean (Research); Mr. Shailender Slathia, Registrar; Dr. Poonam Sharma, Head, Department of Pathology; and Dr. Sudharshan, Vice President – Global Operations at 4baseCare.

Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, stated, “For every patient we treat, we are treating a mother, a father, a sister, or a brother. This partnership is our promise to every family who walks through our doors that we will do everything in our power to bring them the care they deserve.”

The Centre, developed in collaboration with 4baseCare, is equipped with advanced Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, offering comprehensive genomic profiling for cancer patients. This powerful capability enables clinicians to design highly personalized, targeted treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique molecular profile.

“By integrating cutting-edge genomic data with AI-powered diagnostics, the Centre is poised to significantly improve early disease detection, refine therapy choices, and minimize ineffective treatments — ultimately enhancing both patient outcomes and quality of life,” said Dr. Sudharshan Elangovan , Vice President – Global Operations at 4baseCare.

Traditionally, access to such advanced genomic testing has been prohibitively expensive for many patients. However, with this initiative, high-quality NGS-based tests will now be made available at affordable costs, paving the way for greater inclusivity in precision oncology across India.

Further solidifying its role as a national referral hub, the Centre will accept samples from patients and healthcare providers across the country, ensuring that cutting-edge molecular diagnostics are accessible, regardless of geographical barriers.

For more details, visit, https://4basecare.com/

Strand Life Sciences Launches ‘Strand Genomic' for Preventive Wellness

Strand’s new offering will help people better understand and manage diseases through genomic sequencing. 

Strand Life Sciences, a genomics-based research and diagnostics company, has launched ‘Strand Genomic Wellness’, a new line of genomic-based tests for preventive wellness. Launched at Bengaluru Tech Summit, this new offering from Strand can help individuals understand and manage their disease better.

As the first offering of the program, Strand has introduced the ‘Genomic Health Insight’ report to help individuals understand how their personal genomic variations might influence their risk for a broad range of diseases with 30-100% heritability. This knowledge can help individuals work with their doctors to manage their risk with proactive wellness measures.

A recent study published by Mayo Clinic Proceedings indicates that nearly 1 in 8 people who underwent predictive genomic testing found that they had a genetic risk for a health condition and may be able to manage it better with preventive care. Rising adoption of healthier lifestyles and increasing awareness of new healthcare programs and advancements are expected to drive increasing demand for predictive genetic testing .

Commenting on the new launch, Dr. Ramesh Hariharan, CEO & Co-Founder, Strand Life Sciences, said, “We are excited to bring our 22 years of experience in Genomics and Bioinformatics to help individuals use genomics-based insights to proactively manage their wellness. Genomics is advancing at a breakneck pace, and the Genomic Wellness initiative will bring these advances to the Indian consumer, beginning with inherited insights and eventually covering evolving insights that reflect the dynamic of the ageing body”

Strand’s new Genomic Health Insight screening offers the following benefits:

• It helps understand the risk of developing certain inherited diseases that manifest later in life
• It helps identify risks to progeny
• It helps individuals work with their clinicians to make lifestyle changes and adopt necessary preventive measures to lower their risk and that of their progeny
• It provides a catalogue of genomic variants in ~20,000 genes for life and access to new research findings on these variations, as and when they arise. 

As a part of the new launch, and in order for families to understand their risks more comprehensively, Strand will also be offering a limited number of free Genomic Health Insight reports for parents of any adult choosing to get one for themselves.

For more details, visit, https://diagnostics.strandls.com/genomic-wellness

About Strand Life Sciences

Strand Life Sciences is a genomics-based research and diagnostics company that combines a long track record in bioinformatics with cutting-edge laboratory assays and a vast hospital partner network to drive newer generations of patient care. Strand’s customers include global instrument, diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies. Strand is also a pioneer of genomic testing in India. Strand’s long global bioinformatics track record makes it the most trusted company for genomic diagnostics in the areas of oncology, rare diseases, women’s health, and infectious diseases.

Strand Life Sciences Sequenced 12,800 SARS-CoV-2 Samples from Bengaluru and Identifies 100 Lineages Circulating in the City

Strand Life Sciences presents ‘Report on Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in the city of Bengaluru’

Strand Life Sciences has sequenced a total of 12800 samples from July, 2021 to June, 2022, and identified more than a 100 lineages circulating in Bengaluru

Strand Life Sciences, a genomics-based research and diagnostics company, presented insights from its COVID19 genomic surveillance initiative of sequencing 12,800 SARS-CoV-2 samples from the city of Bengaluru on Sunday, 17th July 2022, as a part of the ‘Celebrating Covid Genomic Sequencing and Surveillance effort in Karnataka’ event at Sir Puttanna Chetty Townhall, JC Road, Bengaluru.

The event was presided over by Dr Ashwath Narayan CN, Minister of Higher Education, IT & BT, Govt of Karnataka, Dr. Thrilok Chandra, IAS, Special Health Commissioner, BBMP, Dr. Ramesh Hariharan, CEO & Co-Founder, Strand Life Sciences, , Prof. Rajesh Sundaresan, IISc, Professor, Dr Vishal US Rao, Member of Genomic Surveillance Committee, Karnataka, and Director - Head and Neck Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, and Prof. Rakesh Mishra, Director, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society.

RTPCR +ve samples were collected between July, 2021 and June, 2022 from various laboratories in Bengaluru, Karnataka, with due permissions from BBMP. These samples were then sequenced and analyzed for variants and strains at Strand’s laboratories, and the findings were conveyed to the Karnataka State and BBMP public health officials in conjunction with INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genetics Consortium) labs like InStem, the key stakeholders for this project. The project was supported primarily by philanthropic funding from IN Covid Support, supplemented with funding from organisations like ACT Covid Response Collective.

L to R Naga karthik, IN covid support, Dr Balasundar CHO BBMP, Rajesh Sudaresan IISc Ashwath Narayan Ramesh Hariharan and Vishal US Rao

Key findings from the report 

A total of 12,800 RT PCR positive COVID-19 samples were sequenced at Strand Life Sciences during the time period between July 2021 and June 2022. These samples were collected from the various  wards across Karnataka, with a focus on Bengaluru.

Key findings

• In the 12,800 samples sequenced, more than 100 lineages were found.
• 44.4% of these were Delta and its 75 sub-lineages. 70% of these were the main B.1.617.2 sub-lineage and the remaining were the various AY.* sub-lineages.
• Delta and its sub-lineages were dominant from July to Oct 2021; the first Omicron presence in India was detected in late November 2021.
• Thereafter, Omicron grew rapidly to close to 100% by the end of January 2022 and the Delta sub-lineages were no longer visible. 
• There were a total of ~30 Omicron sub-lineages identified, of which BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.10, BA.3 were notable.
• A.2 and its sub-lineages dominated from Jan to May 2022, while BA.1 and BA.3 also retained some presence.
• A small presence for BA.5 was detected in April and May 2022.
• In June 2022, BA.2 and its sub-lineages continued to dominate at 74%, albeit reduced from 94%. 
• BA.5 and its sub-lineages recorded substantial growth to 20% in Jun 2022 and appeared as the leading contenders to unseat BA.2 and its sub-lineages. BA.4 also appeared at 2%.
• Continued genomic surveillance in the coming months will determine if BA.5 and its sub-lineages are able to phase out BA.2 and its sub-lineages, as has been the case in some other parts of the world.      

Key Contributions of the Initiative

• Strand Life Sciences developed ‘CoviSurve™’, a dashboard for real-time integration of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing data with the clinical and epidemiological information. 
• CoviSurve™ helps identify how many had a given variant and where and when it was detected. It also serves as a tool for early identification of novel variants. 
• Strand Life Sciences played a key role in the detection of the first Omicron cases recorded in India from international travellers. Continuous monitoring in Bengaluru city allowed close tracking of the spread of Omicron in the community. 
• Strand Life Sciences provided timely information that AY.4.2 was not a variant of concern in Bengaluru. AY.4.2 is a sub-lineage of the Delta variant. It was highlighted as a potential  variant of interest in the UK in late October 2021. However, only 1 out of 948 sequences in October 2021 from Bengaluru belonged to this  lineage. 
• This information was shared with the relevant authorities in a timely manner.
• Strand Life Sciences sequenced samples from high profile outbreaks in schools and colleges. In November 2021, as schools and colleges reopened, a number of COVID-19 clusters were observed in Karnataka. Strand’s analysis showed that sequences in these clusters were not related, reducing concerns of potential broader spread.

Commenting on the report, Dr. Ramesh Hariharan, CEO & Co-Founder, Strand Life Sciences, said, “We are proud to have contributed 38% of the samples submitted from Karnataka to major public databases. In hindsight, there was an opportunity to spot the emergence of the Delta strain at least a month before it caused its tragic mayhem. We learned from that and have since been tracking the virus closely and providing timely information to the Government of Karnataka and BBMP. We would like to thank the Government of Karnataka and BBMP officials as well as all our funding partners for their invaluable support, which allowed us as a society to stay on top of the virus.”

Dr Ashwath Narayan CN, Minister of Higher Education, IT & BT, Govt of Karnataka, “A vital component of managing public health is keeping up with virus mutations and lineages. We have taken active measures to encourage genomic sequencing to enable detection of new variants proactively. This effort by Strand Life Sciences has played a significant role in understanding the spread and identifying relevant solutions to control the spread of the virus.”

Dr. Vishal US Rao, Member of Genomic Surveillance Committee, Karnataka, and Director - Head and Neck Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, said, “As new variants of coronavirus continue to emerge, genomic surveillance has an important role to play in bringing the pandemic under control. In order to contribute effectively, we must continue to build tools and sustainable systems for genomic surveillance which can then be leveraged to other pathogens. We plan to continue sequencing of human SARS-CoV-2 cases to ensure that public health officials stay informed and implement appropriate measures”

Dr. K.V Thrilok Chandra, IAS, Special Commissioner Health, BBMP, said “Genomic Surveillance has played a central role in ramping up health infrastructure as well as in introducing new measures to curtail the spread of Covid-19. I would like to congratulate the entire team of Strand Life Sciences for undertaking this ambitious project and sharing key insights on SARS-CoV-2 variants”

Dr. Vijay Chandru, Member Genomic Surveillance Committee of GoK and Chairman of the Science Advisory Board, Strand Life Sciences, said,  “The success of the new PPP triumvirate of public health, private technology and philanthropy in the delivery of cutting-edge and world-class genomic surveillance during the last one year in Karnataka, is a remarkable achievement that needs to be talked about and celebrated. It is testimony to the cooperation we have between industry, academia and the government in Karnataka. Genomic surveillance of this class requires a remarkable convergence of prowess in biotechnology and information technology and sophistication in health systems delivery and it is Bengaluru’s excellence in all these spheres that have come together in response to the pandemic to demonstrate that pandemic preparedness can be a very positive outcome of this challenging period that we have lived through."

Strand Life Sciences is a genomics-based research and diagnostics company that combines a long track record in bioinformatics with cutting-edge laboratory assays and a vast hospital partner network to drive newer generations of patient care. Strand’s customers include global instrument, diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies. Strand is also a pioneer of genomic testing in India. Strand’s long global bioinformatics track record makes it the most trusted company for genomic diagnostics in the areas of oncology, rare diseases, fertility, women’s health, and infectious diseases.

Indian Forensic Labs Set to Double DNA Testing Volume

As per recent estimates, the number of DNA profiles developed from crime scene evidence has doubled over a year from 10,000 cases tested in 2017 to nearly 20,000 this year¹. This increase in DNA casework can be attributed to an upward trend in reporting of rape & sexual violence cases owing to public awareness and activism along with steps taken by the government to upgrade police and forensic infrastructure keeping women in mind.

While evidence from a recent study² indicates that confidence-building measures like the opening of all-women police stations has increased reporting of crimes against women by 22%, upgrading of forensic infrastructure at both central & state levels has also enabled more collection and testing of DNA samples by investigators. 

Reinforcing the trend Vivek Sahajpal, Assistant Director, Himachal Pradesh State FSL said, “There has been a substantial increase in requests for DNA profiling and nearly 50% of the total crime cases we receive are linked to rape and sexual assault. To keep pace with the increased demand, we are now implementing new DNA technology upgrades that will help us bring down the number of unsolved crimes in the state."

Tim Schellberg, Founder & President, Gordon Thomas Honeywell—GA notes, “It is good to see India conducting more DNA tests to expedite justice but considering the scale of crime in the country, especially sexual violence against women & children, this only skims the surface.  If a country is going to fight rape it needs to fully embrace forensic DNA, the gold standard of evidence. It identifies suspects and helps build rightful collection."

Despite an uptick in the number of profiles being tested, the volume remains low considering that nearly 40,000 cases of rapes are registered every year³. Official statistics show a dramatic increase in the number of crimes against women, which have increased more than 80% over 10 years, with only one in five cases resulting in conviction.

As per Delhi Police, five rapes took place in the capital city every day last year but the rate of conviction for rape has dropped from 34.5% in 2014 to 26.62% in 2016. A recent report released by the Praja Foundation on the ‘State of Policing and Law & Order’ shows sexual offences registered in Mumbai have been rising consistently and have jumped by 83% between 2013 and 2018.

Advocate Vivek Sood, Supreme Court points out, "Rape cases in India can be classified into false cases filed to settle scores and genuine cases in which the victims are brutalised physically and mentally destroyed. I have been observing the rising trend in false cases which tend to discredit even the genuine cases apart from wastage of investigative and judicial time. However, the silver lining is the growing use of DNA evidence to crack rape and sexual assault cases."

Forensic DNA has emerged as the most reliable crime-fighting technology the world over. Many countries are effectively using forensic labs and protocols to collect, test and compare DNA at crime scenes with that of suspects with promising results. Where law machinery world over is increasingly relying on DNA forensics to solve crime, the pace in India has been slow. Lack of scientific methods in investigations and absence of a proper policy framework in the country continue to hamper justice.

Emphasising on the need balance quantity with quality of DNA sample collection, Dr Harish Pathak, Head of Forensics, KEM Hospital, Mumbai says “85% of the DNA collections in India don’t yield viable results. There is a need to training and sensitization programmes for first responders and adherence to standard operating protocol for DNA collection."

Internationally, DNA forensics is used as a standard operating procedure in cases of heinous crimes like rape and murder. Countries with a fraction of India’s population like United Kingdom and Thailand complete DNA testing on over 60,000 and 10,000 crime scenes in a year respectively.

¹ GTH-GA Estimates
²Gender, Crime and Punishment: Evidence from Women Police Stations in India; 2018
³ Crime in India 2016 report by NCRB

Published unedited via BusinesWire India Feed

DNA Startup Nebula Genomics Offering Free DNA Sequencing to Everyone

San Francisco-based DNA startup Nebula Genomics is now offering Free DNA sequencing at no cost to everyone who answer a series of questions about their own health, according to its website.

Started by geneticist George Church, who's regarded as the father of the Human Genome project, Nebula Genomics leverages blockchain technology to eliminate middlemen and empower people to own their personal genomic data and thus democratise genome sequencing.

And...we’re live!
Free DNA sequencing and full control over your genomic data. Check it out and let us know what you think! https://t.co/LK2GIkTlYh #SpitWithPurpose
🙌🎉🎊👏❤️

— Nebula Genomics (@NebulaGenomics) November 16, 2018

Nebula, the DNA startup, which otherwise charges $99 for a complete genome sequencing for discovering ancestry, is now offering free genome sequencing to discover, explore your ancestry and learn about your inherited traits. However Nebula DNA sequencing is limited only to US customers as of now, although Nebula is planning to bring this free DNA service to other countries in future soon.

Genome is the entire DNA content that is present within one cell of an organism and this genome contains whole of its hereditary information encoded in its DNA.

For uninitiated, a genetic code or the result of 'Gene Sequencing' is an instruction manual that tells each of your cells how to operate -- Essentially, an instruction manual in the same sense that your TV comes with a manual for how to operate, except it is very long (3 billion letters) and has a reduced alphabet (only four available letters/ 'A','T', 'G', 'C'). 'Genomics' or Genome Sequencing is the science of understanding this instruction manual.

Notably, sequencing the first human genome cost about $1 billion and took 13 years to complete (in 2001); today it costs about $3,000 to $5000 and takes just one to two days.

For its free service, Nebula is taking 6-8 weeks to come up with DNA sequencing results, which can be downloaded either VCF or BAM.

In a recent Reddit AMA session, founder of Nebula, Church wrote, "There are certainly valid concerns with genomic data being used for irresponsible and unethical things, but there is also an immense opportunity to provide value to millions of people."