Big Compute Podcast: HPC and Genomics Revolutionize Medicine

In a Big Compute Podcast episode, Gabriel Broner discusses with Mark Borodkin, COO of Bionano Genomics, how advances in genomics and high-performance computing (HPC) are transforming medicine by enabling personalized treatments based on individual DNA variations. This approach contrasts with traditional methods that prescribe treatments based on disease categories like lung cancer, which do not account for individual genetic differences. Borodkin explains that DNA variations can indicate specific disease types and the most effective treatments, particularly for complex diseases such as rare disorders and cancer. Modern techniques like DNA sequencing and optical mapping help detect these variations, facilitating more accurate diagnoses and the development of new therapies. Borodkin also highlights the role of HPC in the cloud, which allows Bionano Genomics to efficiently process large amounts of genomic data, ensuring scalable and secure solutions for researchers and clinicians. The episode suggests a future where regular DNA testing may become common in medical practice, though challenges such as the need for genetic counselors to interpret complex genomic information remain.