Next Generation Sequencing

Just as economists have a Big Mac index to rate the cost of living in different countries, scientists in genomics are using the full human genome sequencing cost as an index of how much DNA sequencing costs. Judging by this index October seems to be a good month for sequencing customers.

Last month, several sources - including the Genetic Genealogist - quoted George Church for claiming that the cost of sequencing a human genome would drop to 5000$ in October 2008.

Today, Applied Biosystems posted a press release about their new SOLiD 3 system which is expected to enable scientists to sequence a human genome for approximately $10,000.

Earlier this year, AB claimed that they had used the SOLiD system to sequence a human genome for less than $60,000.  Now, technical enhancements to the new platform that enable higher sample and data throughput are expected to further decrease the cost of genomic sequencing.

Church also recently predicted a 1000$ genome already by the end of next year and with AB recent release and Illuminas predicted capacity increase this goal suddently seems within reach.

However, October has only just started and we may still be in for more exiting news!