HumanCode Gives Couples A DNA-based Glimpse Into Their Future Children

By Bio-IT World Staff

October 4, 2017 | HumanCode announced the launch of BABYGlimpse, the first DNA-powered app for couples to discover and explore the genetic-related traits their children may inherit. The new app was developed in collaboration with Helix, who recently launched the first online marketplace for DNA-powered products.

BABYGlimpse provides prospective parents a fun and informative preview of their childrens’ possible traits — ranging from ancestry to eye color to behaviors and preferences. Using at-home collection kits from Helix, both parents provide a saliva sample which is processed in Helix’s CLIA- and CAP-accredited next-generation sequencing lab.

Helix securely stores the data and provides HumanCode access to the portion of the genome that pertains to the information delivered in BABYGlimpse. The app then utilizes a proprietary computational method to combine the couple’s DNA results and make predictions on the possible traits of their future child. The results are delivered to couples through the BABYGlimpse app for iPhone, or via a secure customer web portal.

“Today’s couples have so many questions and curiosities during the process of creating a family—there’s so much advice and information, but little of it is personal to them,” Chris Glode, CEO of HumanCode, said in a press release. “We want to help families venture beyond the classic black-and-white ultrasound photo and gender reveal to learn more about themselves and their genetics. BABYGlimpse adds to the excitement and anticipation of building a family. We call it ‘sunshine science’.”

BABYGlimpse explores more than 20 different traits, including ancestry, physical appearance, and wellness-related conditions. The product is available for $349.98 on Helix.com, and includes Exome and DNA sequencing for 2 people and unlimited access to the application on the secure HumanCode website or iPhone app.