Can machine learning glean useful information from whole genome analysis faster than conventional approaches? And, more crucially, can that help lead to better treatment for cancer patients? A new study published by researchers at the New York Genome Center (NYGC), The Rockefeller University and IBM suggests that the answer to those questions may be yes.

Digital pathology is often considered the digitization of existing physical samples mounted on glass slides. But University of Washington researchers are working to leapfrog well beyond that existing state in the industry with a light-sheet microscope that offers real-time pathology data in 3-D – without ever slicing a biopsy sample.

Indi Molecular has an impressive pedigree, having been founded in 2013 by Leroy Hood of the Institute of Systems Biology, James Heath of Caltech and diagnostics entrepreneur Albert Luderer. It's a spinout from parent company Integrated Diagnostics that was first seeded with $1.8 million from Interwest Partners, Asset Management Ventures and angel investors.