From 10 years to 3 days: Gene sequencing tech's great leap forward

Place this flow cell in a sequencing machine, and it can map out a human genome in just three days. Photo: TNS

Two glass chips measuring 7.6cm by 2.5cm hold the unfathomable amount of genetic information contained in 16 human genomes. A technician places the chips – called flow cells – in a new genetic sequencing machine at the Genome Institute at Washington University and closes the door. In just three days, the task will be complete.

Three days of sequencing versus scientists working all over the world for more than 10 years and about US$1bil (RM3.6bil) to sequence the human genome, first completed in 2003.