Want to get some ideas -- chew on this information from :

10th October 2008

This week's Nature Biotechnology features a special focus on DNA sequencing, and the challenges of developing future technologies that will substantially increase the power and utility of sequencing.  

A special feature on nanopore sequencing is authored by the world's leading nanopore researchers, many of whom collaborate with Oxford Nanopore Technologies.  The feature includes an outline of the system under development at the company, combining a protein nanopore with a processive enzyme to produce a sequencing system that can be arrayed on a silicon chip.

In an article in the same edition, Jeffery Schloss discusses the NHGRI's Sequencing Technology programme and outlines "How to get genomes at one ten-thousandth the cost".  He highlights that nanopore projects dominate the $1,000 genome grants, noting that "For nanopore sequencing, challenges include reliable and reproducible pore fabrication, sensor and electronics integration, control of the motion and orientation of DNA as it traverses the sensor, and the key challenge of concepts and methods to distinguish between the bases."   Oxford Nanopore continues to make substantial progress in all of these areas.

To read the Nature Biotechnology nanopore review abstract, click here , and for the Jeffery Schloss article click here (subscription required for full text).  

Please visit the website at www.nanoporetech.com or contact us on news@nanoporetech.com for further information.

 My opinion is we need to begin exchange between the science community and the surgeon/radiologic, and manufacturing communities to focus on the easiest to commercialize solutions to fund the more difficult solutions. Commercialization can drive the engine of research.