Californians for Universal Voluntary Individual Genome Sequencing (CUVIGS) today announced its effort to qualify a state initiative that would fund the genome sequencing of all California residents.

Citing the call for such an effort from Harvard expert in computational biology George Church, who recently said that "The next step….is for individuals to have their personal genomes sequenced," because, he believes, "that if the idea catches fire, the benefits for individual health and biomedical research will be enormous," the new bioactivist group said it wants California and Californians to lead the way in this important step into the next bio-century.

Interested volunteers and campaign contributors who want to support this effort can join its mailing list by sending an empty e-mail to: CaliforniaIGSI-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

According to Californians for Universal Voluntary Individual Genome Sequencing (CUVIGS) spokesperson Kristin Olafsdottir:

"While CUVIGS is in no way connected with the effort of the Vote Yes on 71--The California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative campaign, if it does pass and California spends $3 billion dollars on stem cell research, it's only common sense to make sure that every Californian has the crucial genomic information about herself or himself to take full advantage of the breakthrough discoveries and advanced therapeutic techniques that its backers hope will come out of their efforts to push out the boundaries of stem cell research.

"The 'Universal Voluntary Individual Genome Sequencing Initiative' we are trying to put on the ballot would reduce the likelihood that all the stem cell research would go to waste.

"Individual genome sequencing today costs far too much for any but the very richest to afford it. But a plan to sequence EVERY Californian's genetic blueprint would drive the already-falling cost of this procedure down drastically, making it financially feasible to acquire this valuable information for the over 30 million Californians who could benefit from knowing it.

"With the proper privacy protections in place, the collective data from this project would give California scientists unmatched resources for further research in many vital fields.

"Perhaps even more important than the rich trove of research data this project will yield are the personal benefits it will make possible for individual patients, including a more precise matching of their needs with the increasingly powerful and specialized drugs and other therapies now being sought in biomedical labs everywhere.

"Stem cell-based therapies will need the kind of information derived from individual genome sequencing to be most effective.

"Genetic counseling will be enhanced when clients can send their genomes to their genetic counselors by e-mail or bring them in on CD or DVD.

"For all these reasons, lowering the cost to affordable levels and then having the state of California pick up the tab for these universal, voluntary individual genomic sequencings make sense for the state and the people of California."

Ms. Olafsdottir concluded:

"Everyone who wants to get involved in this innovative and crucial project should join our mailing list. Just send a blank e-mail to: CaliforniaIGSI-subscribe@yahoogroups.com."