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* Survey and Classification of Human Genome Reference (Analysis) Models

Randy Harr - Mon 22 of Feb, 2021 18:02 EST
We have just concluded an 8 month exhaustive survey of available Human Genome Reference Models in FASTA format. The result was a little surprising in some instances but mostly followed well-repeated conventions from the industry. Out of this study, we have developed a new classification system for the models that can be better used to match an already aligned BAM file to its likely reference model used to build it. This is important for follow-on processing to extract variants into VCF files or possibly compress with the CRAM format.

* ySeq jumps into the DTC WGS market with WGS400

Randy Harr - Tue 16 of Feb, 2021 16:50 EST
Long an innovator in the genetic genealogy market, Thomas Krahn of ySeq has developed a new entry that is going to (likely again) shake the market up. And finally put closure to the adoption by everyone of WGS technology as the first choice to be applied to genetic genealogy. Something we have been seeing and preparing for over the last few years.

* Ouch! Data taken off line without notice by Dante Labs

Randy Harr - Thu 24 of Sep, 2020 21:27 EDT
Dante Labs has pulled what is yet another public relations nightmare in their long "love them / hate them" relationship. They have taken users genome sequencing data files offline without any notice. With a sketchy unannounced plan to institute a subscription service for access to data more than 90 days after the initial delivery.

* Is Sequencing.com really a new under-$500 DTC 30x WGS entry?

Randy Harr - Mon 04 of May, 2020 08:57 EDT
With the promotion by Sequencing com of their 30x WGS test entry, are they really a new player? Or just a re-branding of what is already available? To date, only Dante Labs (the pioneer in November 2018) and Nebula Genomics are offering under $500, DTC 30x WGS tests. Is Sequencing com now a third provider?

* A call for a simple and elegant signing of DNA test laboratory results

Randy Harr - Sat 29 of Feb, 2020 09:05 EST
We are seeing more and more issues with badly created DNA test data trying to make its way into match tool sites. And the tool site vendors having to use ad-hoc methods to identify and prevent bad data loads. Here is a simple and elegant solution for microarray file formats that would not really change the current tools. This involves standard techniques of message signing using public- key cryptography. By developing trusted sources (DNA test labs) that sign their files, one can more easily weed out the unsigned, unverified sources. Whether from law enforcement units, rogue users, or unknowing users that utilize a tool in the wrong way to create bad data.

* Nebula Genomics now offers a 30x WGS Test for sub-$500

Randy Harr - Sat 29 of Feb, 2020 08:58 EST
Dante Labs now has a competitor in the sub $500 WGS 30x sequencing market. Nebula Genomics has announced entering the space and with some interesting twists.

UPDATE 20 Jul 2021: it appears as of a month or two ago, Nebula has started delivering 100 base-pair read length sequence results. Possibly using the downgraded, old MGI equipment of Dante in 2018. This would be a shame if so. We are working to confirm the change is not just a fluke for a few recent testers.
UPDATE 23 June 2020: we received our results after 13 weeks. Find our post explaining everything in the WGS Facebook group.
UPDATE 6 Jan 2021: we received our third result after a slight delay due to a Covid19 outbreak at their lab. But many months earlier than the ordered-same-time Dante test. See our Facebook post explaining 2020's experience.

* Is 30x WGS Testing poised to take over Genetic Genealogy?

Randy Harr - Sat 09 of Nov, 2019 16:27 EST
With the introduction of the below $500 30x WGS test again this month, we return to the debate of whether it will take over genetic genealogy testing as the first and primary method. Key still are the availability of match databases and reliability of the sole sub-$500 provider. But Dante Labs just introduced a 2-day sale at that crazy price of $199 again (9 - 11 Nov 2019)! Is it time to dip another toe in the water? Or jump head first and fully in?

UPDATE1 (24 Nov 2019): $189 for one week (24 Nov - 1 Dec 2019); another 10% off still if you use the code "yfull10".
UPDATE2 (24 Feb 2020): Nebula Genomics and Sequencing.com enter the sub-$500 market as well.
UPDATE3 (28 Nov 2020): $149 for one week for Dante Labs 30x; Nebula Genomics; but delivery problems persist since pandemic started