There has been a recent movement in the DNA testing community for an open source solution for PCR thermal cycler technology. This movement has gained a lot of momentum in the last year or two and is really starting to show some serious signs of promise.
Two “biohackers” from California, Josh Perfetto and Tito Jankowski, have raised themselves over $10,500 to launch an open source PCR thermal cycler which would make it much more financially plausible for individuals to construct their own instrument. This project, dubbed OpenPCR, has a goal of providing a PCR thermal cycler for under $400!
PCR Thermal Cycler OpenPCR Video
According to their site, OpenPCR would allow users to perform tests on their own genomes, hack together DNA segments, construct biofuels, and even do DNA experiments on their backyard plant-life.
For more information on this PCR thermal cycler or if you’re interested in contributing to their project check out their kickstarter page.
