The time it takes to map a single human genome could be radically reduced thanks to two new next generation DNA sequencers that were unveiled at The John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) at The Australian National University today, Tuesday 21 July 2009.
The new machines are markedly more powerful and faster than traditional sequencers reducing the time it takes to sequence a single human genome from 12 years to about 30 days.
Because of reductions in time and cost, sequencing is likely to become the platform of choice for a greater variety of applications in areas such as infection and immunity; ecology, environment and evolution; genes and proteins and plant sciences.
The sequencers, an Illumina GAIIx and a Roche GSFLX, are worth around $1.3 million.
Funding for the equipment was from an ARC-LIEF grant jointly submitted by The Australian National University, The University of Canberra, CSIRO Plant Industry and CSIRO Entomology as well as financial contributions from each organisation. The sequencers will be housed at the Australian Cancer Research Foundation Biomolecular Resource Facility in The John Curtin School of Medical Research at ANU and be available for use by researchers from all institutions.
These sequencers will play an important role in advancing cutting-edge research with important health, agricultural and environmental applications.
Professor Frances Shannon, Director JCSMR (ANU), Dr Liz Dennis, Chief Research Scientist (CSIRO Plant Industry) and Professor Arthur Georges, Dean of Applied Science (UC) unveiled the sequencers at the launch.
