Selective DNA sequencing in real time to be a reality, thanks to this new device

Selective DNA sequencing in real time to be a reality, thanks to this new device
Using a novel technique, scientists have demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to selectively sequence fragments of DNA in real time, thus greatly reducing the period needed to analyse biological samples.

The pocket-sized device — the same technology which NASA recently sent to the International Space Station (ISS) in an effort to investigate whether DNA sequencing is possible in microgravity – employs tiny molecular pores in a membrane that ‘sense’ the sequence of DNA fragments passing through these nanopores, producing minute fluctuations in a current trace. These current traces, termed ‘squiggles’ then need to be converted to DNA bases using base caller software, often located in the cloud. The team used signal processing techniques to map these squiggles to reference sequences, by passing this step. The researchers showed that this ‘real-time selective sequencing’, or as some have called it ‘DNA testing’, can reduce the time needed to sequence key DNA fragments or enable the analysis of pathogen samples where there is host and other DNA present in the sample. (Read: Your DNA can determine if you are a morning person)

Source: IANS

Photo source: Getty images (Image for representational purpose only)

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