April 17, 2023

Remember the Human Genome Project? Look What’s Next

How the Human Cell Atlas will lead to healthy longevity

Ric Edelman: We've talked about the human genome before. The Human Genome Project began back in 1990. It has now mapped the entire genome. It took 30 years, cost $3 billion, but now you can do it in two weeks for about $300. Well, that was pretty easy, if you think about it, because there are only 24 sorts of chromosomes in our DNA, yet it still took 30 years and $3 billion to do it once. But now we've solved that puzzle.

So what's next? Welcome to the Human Cell Atlas where the human body has 24 chromosomes. It's got 37 trillion cells. And now 2,700 researchers from 1,500 institutions in 86 countries are busy looking at lots of those cells. So far, they've collected 15,000 samples from 10,000 donors and they've gathered data on 120 million cells. They're adding another 120 million cells about every five months. Now, they don't have to count every cell in the body, 37 trillion. That would take a long time. What they figured out is that really, of all the tens of trillions of cells, they all just fall into a few categories. How many categories? Well, they're not sure.

Back in 2016, they thought there were about 300 categories. But so far, the Human Cell Atlas has identified thousands of cell categories. And they're not done. They're still finding new ones. Different organs have different numbers of cell types. They found 3,000 different cell types in the brain. 137 in the gut so far. And each organ in the Human Cell Atlas also has its own sub-atlas classification.

And here, get this, they plan to have a first draft of the full atlas in just two years. Already, the research has transformed what we know about cystic fibrosis, and that has changed the direction of cystic fibrosis research. Discoveries by the gut cell atlas have resulted in new targets for drug treatment to fight inflammatory bowel disease. And as you'd expect, the cancer cell atlas is going to lead to new immunotherapy treatments. The cell atlases are going to lead to cell engineering testing of drugs to see their effects on different cell types and the design of organoids, which are small parts of actual organs that will permit experiments that we can't really conduct on real people.

The Human Cell Atlas is a major leap forward, just like the Human Genome Project was. That one took decades and billions of dollars. This one is merely a few years and under $1 billion in cost, thanks to advances in computer technology. The result of all this? Ultimately, it's going to lead to eradication of disease and the extension of healthy life.

Is your financial plan ready for this? Well, one way you can make sure it is by taking a look at the Global X Genomics and Biotech ETF. The symbol is GNOM for genome. This ETF invests in companies that are working on genomic sequencing and genetic medicines and therapeutics, things like gene editing, genetic medicine and therapy, computational genomics and biotechnology.

Take a strong look at this. You can get the information on the Global X Genomics and Biotech ETF at GlobalXETFs.com or talk with your financial advisor about it.

Hey, be sure to tune in to this podcast on Friday, April 21st when I’m going to be talking with Del Wright, Professor of Law at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Del has been a leading teacher and researcher focusing on tax law, crypto assets and the regulation of blockchain technologies. I'm going to have a really fascinating conversation with him about his expertise in those areas.

Whether you're in finance, whether you're an investor or just interested in learning more about crypto and its regulation, this podcast is a must listen and if you are crypto curious, be sure to read my new book, The Truth About Crypto, the number one Amazon bestseller. Here's a review from verified reader, Todd. "This was not a pump and dump where the author wanted us all to buy bitcoin and so he could sell his. It's a wide-ranging balanced view of digital assets. He covers the technology, the Bitcoin network, investing in digital assets, NFTs and getting started. Pretty much everything you need to know to get your foot in the digital asset door." Thanks, Todd, for that review. Be like him. Pick up my new book, The Truth About Crypto, from your favorite bookseller.

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Jillian DelSignore

Global Head of Investor Distribution Strategy | Nasdaq Global Indexes

Jillian DelSignore, CIMA, is Global Head of Investor Distribution Strategy, Indexes at Nasdaq.

Prior to joining Nasdaq, Jillian was Head of ETFs & Indexing at FLX Distribution. FLX is a first of its kind technology platform that brings together asset managers, distribution professionals, wealth managers, and advisors.

Before and during her time at FLX, she was the Principal of Lakefront Advisory advising financial services firms on accelerating their growth through initiating, scaling or changing their distribution strategy. Given her depth of experience in the ETF industry, she also helps her clients demystify the ETF ecosystem by advising on the intricacies of that market.

Before starting Lakefront Advisory, Jillian was Head of ETF Distribution with J.P.Morgan’s Asset Management business. She was responsible for leading the sales and distribution efforts and strategy in the intermediary and institutional markets.

She also serves on the Board of Women in ETFs (WE), Inc, the first women’s group for the ETF industry, and served as Co-President from 2017-2019. Founded in 2014, WE achieves the mission to connect, support and inspire by organizing events globally that support our goals of education, networking, philanthropy.

Before joining J.P.Morgan in September 2015, Jillian was a Strategic Account Manager within BlackRock's iShares ETF Institutional Asset Management Group. She was responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with institutional investors, including boutique asset managers, global institutional asset managers, hedge funds and registered investment advisory firms.

Prior to joining iShares in March, 2009, Ms. DelSignore worked in the Independent Advisory Channel of Goldman Sachs Asset Management covering GSAM mutual funds, separate accounts, retirement plans, and alternative investments. She joined Goldman Sachs in 2005. Earlier, Ms. DelSignore worked in both the Institutional Corporate Cash and Global Bank Divisions at Federated Investors from 2000-2005.

Ms. DelSignore has a B.A. in Communications from John Carroll University and an M.B.A degree in Finance from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her CIMA designation from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and holds the Series 3, 6, 7, 24 and 66 licenses.

Jillian DelSignore

Global Head of Investor Distribution Strategy | Nasdaq Global Indexes

Jillian DelSignore, CIMA, is Global Head of Investor Distribution Strategy, Indexes at Nasdaq.

Prior to joining Nasdaq, Jillian was Head of ETFs & Indexing at FLX Distribution. FLX is a first of its kind technology platform that brings together asset managers, distribution professionals, wealth managers, and advisors.

Before and during her time at FLX, she was the Principal of Lakefront Advisory advising financial services firms on accelerating their growth through initiating, scaling or changing their distribution strategy. Given her depth of experience in the ETF industry, she also helps her clients demystify the ETF ecosystem by advising on the intricacies of that market.

Before starting Lakefront Advisory, Jillian was Head of ETF Distribution with J.P.Morgan’s Asset Management business. She was responsible for leading the sales and distribution efforts and strategy in the intermediary and institutional markets.

She also serves on the Board of Women in ETFs (WE), Inc, the first women’s group for the ETF industry, and served as Co-President from 2017-2019. Founded in 2014, WE achieves the mission to connect, support and inspire by organizing events globally that support our goals of education, networking, philanthropy.

Before joining J.P.Morgan in September 2015, Jillian was a Strategic Account Manager within BlackRock's iShares ETF Institutional Asset Management Group. She was responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with institutional investors, including boutique asset managers, global institutional asset managers, hedge funds and registered investment advisory firms.

Prior to joining iShares in March, 2009, Ms. DelSignore worked in the Independent Advisory Channel of Goldman Sachs Asset Management covering GSAM mutual funds, separate accounts, retirement plans, and alternative investments. She joined Goldman Sachs in 2005. Earlier, Ms. DelSignore worked in both the Institutional Corporate Cash and Global Bank Divisions at Federated Investors from 2000-2005.

Ms. DelSignore has a B.A. in Communications from John Carroll University and an M.B.A degree in Finance from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her CIMA designation from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and holds the Series 3, 6, 7, 24 and 66 licenses.

Tom Balcom CFP®, CAIA, MBA

Founder | 1650 Wealth Management

Tom began his career in the financial services industry in 1998, working at two of the nation’s largest brokerage firms. His passion for educating and protecting his clients’ wealth developed as he witnessed novice investors entrusting their life savings to “financial advisors” whose top priority was meeting their monthly sales quotas.

Tom aspired to differentiate himself from the crowd. He earned an MBA degree with a Specialization in Investments from the University of Miami in 2000 and became a fee-only, independent, registered investment advisor at a private wealth management firm in Miami. Tom earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 2003 and the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation in 2005.

In 2010, after gaining over a decade of private wealth management experience, Tom took his passion for educating and protecting his clients’ wealth and founded 1650 Wealth Management. 1650 Wealth Management is a fee-only, independent, private wealth management investment advisor. Tom neither sells investment products nor does he receive sales commissions. Tom focuses on actively managing and creating custom investment management strategies with the goal of protecting and growing his clients’ wealth.

Tom has spent a majority of his career studying and investing in alternative investments. He has spoken at numerous industry conferences including: Structured Products Americas Conference, MTN-I Structured Products Conference, Super Bowl of Indexing Conference, Innovative Alternative Strategies Conference, North American Structured Products Conference, Forum on Alternative Investments, Retail Alternative Investments, Private Wealth Southeast Forum, and the Financial Planning Association of Miami.

He is a contributing guest contributor for the Structured Products Daily publication and has been interviewed by top news and financial publications including: Bloomberg Businessweek, New York Times, CNBC, Investment News, Daily Business Review, CNNMoney.com, Registered Rep, SmartMoney, Forbes, Robb Report, Worth, Structured Retail Products, NerdWallet.com, SunSentinel.com, Florida Trend Magazine and the South Florida Business Journal.

He previously was as an adjunct professor within Barry University’s Personal Financial Planning program and in 2014, Tom was asked to serve as an expert witness on behalf of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board).

Originally from Nashua, New Hampshire, Tom has made South Florida his home for nearly 30 years. Tom and his family reside in Lighthouse Point, Florida. On the weekends, you may find Tom golfing (or attending his daughter’s junior golf tournaments), traveling, spending time with his family and actively supporting the University of Miami’s football and basketball teams.

Tom Balcom CFP®, CAIA, MBA

Founder | 1650 Wealth Management

Tom began his career in the financial services industry in 1998, working at two of the nation’s largest brokerage firms. His passion for educating and protecting his clients’ wealth developed as he witnessed novice investors entrusting their life savings to “financial advisors” whose top priority was meeting their monthly sales quotas.

Tom aspired to differentiate himself from the crowd. He earned an MBA degree with a Specialization in Investments from the University of Miami in 2000 and became a fee-only, independent, registered investment advisor at a private wealth management firm in Miami. Tom earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 2003 and the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation in 2005.

In 2010, after gaining over a decade of private wealth management experience, Tom took his passion for educating and protecting his clients’ wealth and founded 1650 Wealth Management. 1650 Wealth Management is a fee-only, independent, private wealth management investment advisor. Tom neither sells investment products nor does he receive sales commissions. Tom focuses on actively managing and creating custom investment management strategies with the goal of protecting and growing his clients’ wealth.

Tom has spent a majority of his career studying and investing in alternative investments. He has spoken at numerous industry conferences including: Structured Products Americas Conference, MTN-I Structured Products Conference, Super Bowl of Indexing Conference, Innovative Alternative Strategies Conference, North American Structured Products Conference, Forum on Alternative Investments, Retail Alternative Investments, Private Wealth Southeast Forum, and the Financial Planning Association of Miami.

He is a contributing guest contributor for the Structured Products Daily publication and has been interviewed by top news and financial publications including: Bloomberg Businessweek, New York Times, CNBC, Investment News, Daily Business Review, CNNMoney.com, Registered Rep, SmartMoney, Forbes, Robb Report, Worth, Structured Retail Products, NerdWallet.com, SunSentinel.com, Florida Trend Magazine and the South Florida Business Journal.

He previously was as an adjunct professor within Barry University’s Personal Financial Planning program and in 2014, Tom was asked to serve as an expert witness on behalf of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board).

Originally from Nashua, New Hampshire, Tom has made South Florida his home for nearly 30 years. Tom and his family reside in Lighthouse Point, Florida. On the weekends, you may find Tom golfing (or attending his daughter’s junior golf tournaments), traveling, spending time with his family and actively supporting the University of Miami’s football and basketball teams.

Tom Balcom CFP®, CAIA, MBA

Founder | 1650 Wealth Management

Tom began his career in the financial services industry in 1998, working at two of the nation’s largest brokerage firms. His passion for educating and protecting his clients’ wealth developed as he witnessed novice investors entrusting their life savings to “financial advisors” whose top priority was meeting their monthly sales quotas.

Tom aspired to differentiate himself from the crowd. He earned an MBA degree with a Specialization in Investments from the University of Miami in 2000 and became a fee-only, independent, registered investment advisor at a private wealth management firm in Miami. Tom earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 2003 and the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation in 2005.

In 2010, after gaining over a decade of private wealth management experience, Tom took his passion for educating and protecting his clients’ wealth and founded 1650 Wealth Management. 1650 Wealth Management is a fee-only, independent, private wealth management investment advisor. Tom neither sells investment products nor does he receive sales commissions. Tom focuses on actively managing and creating custom investment management strategies with the goal of protecting and growing his clients’ wealth.

Tom has spent a majority of his career studying and investing in alternative investments. He has spoken at numerous industry conferences including: Structured Products Americas Conference, MTN-I Structured Products Conference, Super Bowl of Indexing Conference, Innovative Alternative Strategies Conference, North American Structured Products Conference, Forum on Alternative Investments, Retail Alternative Investments, Private Wealth Southeast Forum, and the Financial Planning Association of Miami.

He is a contributing guest contributor for the Structured Products Daily publication and has been interviewed by top news and financial publications including: Bloomberg Businessweek, New York Times, CNBC, Investment News, Daily Business Review, CNNMoney.com, Registered Rep, SmartMoney, Forbes, Robb Report, Worth, Structured Retail Products, NerdWallet.com, SunSentinel.com, Florida Trend Magazine and the South Florida Business Journal.

He previously was as an adjunct professor within Barry University’s Personal Financial Planning program and in 2014, Tom was asked to serve as an expert witness on behalf of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board).

Originally from Nashua, New Hampshire, Tom has made South Florida his home for nearly 30 years. Tom and his family reside in Lighthouse Point, Florida. On the weekends, you may find Tom golfing (or attending his daughter’s junior golf tournaments), traveling, spending time with his family and actively supporting the University of Miami’s football and basketball teams.