The latest Roche 454 Sequencer can sequence approximately 10 reads, at a rate of approximately 1000 bp per run.
Current NGS sequencers can sequence short DNA or RNA fragments of lengths usually between 50 and 400 nt, though new sequencers with longer fragment sizes are being developed.
In addition to instruments that can sequence full human genomes, "bench" sequencers with lower throughput but reduced running costs and faster turnaround time are becoming common.
They can sequence DNA, analyse it, and edit it in relatively small lengths.
"The rapidity with which we can sequence human genomes now has opened up a huge door to new research".
Now that we can sequence whole genomes, we are undertaking investigations of far greater scope to reconstruct our ancient history and that of other organisms.
"One machine can sequence as much today in nine days as the entire U.S. sequencing capacity in 2007".
Proceeds will go to the X Prize Foundation, which is offering a $10 million prize to the first group that can sequence 100 human genomes in 10 days at less than $10,000 per genome.
The nonprofit X Prize Foundation, meanwhile, is offering $10 million to the first group that can sequence 100 human genomes in 10 days, for $10,000 or less per genome.
If you can sequence something properly and you possess the information for describing that organism — whether it's a virus, a dinosaur, or a human being — you will eventually be able to construct an artificial version of it.
"In the old days it was good enough to know what kind of virus or bacteria caused an illness... but now you can sequence the entire pathogen in 24 hours," he added.
