A little Canadian company has done for DNA collection what Google did for Web searches: made it ridiculously simple and efficient. Ottawa-based DNA Genotek has developed a device that allows you to collect and store a sample of DNA by just spitting into a small plastic vial. Closing the lid on the gadget, called Oragene, releases a chemical that stabilizes the saliva, allowing it to be easily shipped and stored indefinitely. It's a huge advantage over getting a blood sample (inefficient) or swabbing the inside of the mouth (less stable).
DNA Genotek's main customers are medical researchers, Big Pharma companies developing...