So, what did you achieve in lockdown? Perhaps a stunning DIY project, a neatly mown lawn, or just a tidy sock drawer. All of which fades to insignificance in the light of Dr Jonathan Rothberg’s amazing breakthrough, while in lockdown aboard the 55m motor yacht Gene Machine.
In true pioneering spirit, Dr Rothberg set out to create a rapid COVID-19 home testing kit. In keeping with his ethos, the test kit would be available at a low price point and produce rapid results. Dr Rothberg is among those rare individuals, who produce their best work under pressure. The global pandemic presented the kind of challenge he thrives on.
The 3-D printed prototype test kit produces a result in about 15 minutes. In collaboration with his team at Homodeus, Dr Rothberg has already produced working production models, which use a nasal swab, with results transmitted via a mobile app.
The American scientist and entrepreneur made his name and his millions in genetic sequencing technology, with his DNA sequence machines; designed to produce fast results and available at a low cost. Such was the impact of his ground-breaking work, that he was awarded the United States Medal of Technology and Innovation by President Barak Obama.
Social media would have us believe that yacht owners are all frivolous pleasure seekers, yet there are many who take to the seas with a mission to improve our world, care for others and protect our environment. Dr Jonathan Rothberg is a shining example of this new breed of owners.
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