Our research is on the cutting edge of genomics, nanopore sequencing. We have been working since 2012 with the Oxford Nanopore MinIon to develop new ways to sequence fragments of DNA. The benefit of sequencing large fragments is in the DNA decreased assembly time and increase in contig confidence.

The MinIon is a nanopore sequencer that uses electronic based sequencing rather than light based technology to read DNA. Below is an illustration of the nanopore sequencing.

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By modifying the chemistry used to prepare the DNA library, we have been able to increase the average number of long reads (over 50 kb). This methodology can be used in with any HMW (high molecular weight) library preparation, laying the ground work for the future of sequencing.

Photo Credit: Oxford Nanopore Technologies.