One of the most important scientific breakthroughs of our age is that of the method to decipher DNA sequences. All branches of biological research can greatly benefit from the ability to read genetic information from biological systems. Sanger sequencing was the method adopted in laboratories around the world, but it has several limitations in scalability, resolution, throughput and speed. Next Generation Sequencing is what offers solutions to overcome these limitations. This new method extends the process used earlier across several millions of reactions in parallel. This is essential what offers a faster way to read the data.
The data output offered by NGS has increased to a great extent, more than doubling each year. he older technology required around 10 years in order to sequence a single human genome but with high throughput screening, scientists can sequence five genomes in one single run and can produce data in just a week or maybe a little more. The costs involved are also greatly reduced by the new technology. Before NGS was invented, the first human genome study had a cost of 3 billion USD. Today, a reagent cost of $5,000 is sufficient for one genome.
This technology is also highly scalable and offers the ability to process both small and large numbers of samples as per the requirement of the study. There is also a great flexibility in terms of the resolution required. This means that we can zoom in on a genome to get a detailed view or zoom out to look at an expansive view.
The data output offered by NGS has increased to a great extent, more than doubling each year. he older technology required around 10 years in order to sequence a single human genome but with high throughput screening, scientists can sequence five genomes in one single run and can produce data in just a week or maybe a little more. The costs involved are also greatly reduced by the new technology. Before NGS was invented, the first human genome study had a cost of 3 billion USD. Today, a reagent cost of $5,000 is sufficient for one genome.
This technology is also highly scalable and offers the ability to process both small and large numbers of samples as per the requirement of the study. There is also a great flexibility in terms of the resolution required. This means that we can zoom in on a genome to get a detailed view or zoom out to look at an expansive view.
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