Although we’re still waiting for that 4K consumer DSLR from Canon, the company has announced an investment into Spartan Bioscience, a firm developing rapid DNA testing apparatus for the masses to have their DNA analysed for potential health issues.
Amongst the potential uses for the technology is that a machine can take a sample from a Canon customer in a store when his hair falls out from stress due to a lack of 5D Mark III replacement.
The DNA analysis can predict just how many stress markers have been detected in the epigenetic of the Canon shooter, which will reveal to a degree of high accuracy just how many years moire and aliasing has taken off their life.
Joking aside, this looks like an interesting and wise business investment from Canon, and it’s not the first time a Japanese photographic company has diversified into medical. Olympus are a big supplier to that industry.
Currently it costs a small fortune to have your DNA analysed for the diseases a person might be prone to later in life. A famous example is Angelina Jolie whose DNA was analysed, after which she found she was at an unacceptably high risk of breast cancer.
More affordable and accessible DNA analysis has the potential for anyone to pre-empt health issues and take preventative measures earlier in life. It could cut the rates of cancer and heart disease for example, two of the biggest killers, and I applaud any company investing in potentially life saving technology firms. It beats cameras any day.
Says the Spartan Bioscience CEO: “We are excited to continue our efforts as we move into new markets for rapid genetic testing. Working with Canon will help accelerate our progress in the future.”
Recently Canon established a wholly- owned subsidiary “Canon BioMedical Inc.”, to develop, manufacture and market new bio-scientific technologies. Canon say their Kyosei philosophy is applied to the bio division “through the use of existing and emerging Canon technology, as well as strategic partnerships.”
It will certainly be interesting to see if any of these bio technologies merge with imaging solutions, to create technology like new medical cameras, wearable cameras or even home DNA sampling kits and scanners.
Source: Canon BioMedical press release
