Thus, when a genetic algorithm runs on the chip, the effectiveness of each configuration can be measured directly on the circuit rather than in some costly simulation.

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Another Forbes cover story on genetic testing, by Herper and me in 2007, predicted an avalanche of genetic risk findings from DNA chip studies of common diseases.

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Reddoch sees this as an opportunity for growth, as he believes academics will be lured by the prospect of a standard chip to use for exchanging genetic data.

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Eventually, predicts Professor Sikora, people could even be implanted with a "gene chip" which could detect the earliest signs of the genetic mutations that cause cancer.

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After months of e-mails, calls and in-person meetings, Van Tassell convinced Illumina that it was worth marketing a small gene chip that could keep track of 38, 000 tiny genetic differences in cows that his USDA researchers had discovered.

FORBES: Technology