Ion Proton 1: A Chemical Engineer's Dream

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    Chemical Ion Proton
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the Ion Proton 1 sequencer developed by Jonathan Rothberg, its cost-effectiveness in sequencing human genomes, and comparisons with other sequencing technologies like the MinION. Participants explore the implications of these advancements in DNA sequencing technology, including potential applications in various fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant highlights the Ion Proton 1's ability to sequence most of a human genome for around $1000, contrasting it with previous costs in the millions.
  • Another participant mentions a sequencer being developed by IBM that could potentially cost around $100, which reads DNA bases through holes on its surface.
  • Discussion of the MinION sequencer, which can process 150 million base pairs in six hours and is available for $900, raises questions about its operational life and whether it is a one-time use device.
  • Some participants express excitement about the potential for nanopore sequencing to become more accessible and reusable, particularly for ecological applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express enthusiasm for the advancements in DNA sequencing technology, but there are uncertainties regarding the operational characteristics and practical applications of the MinION and other sequencers. No consensus is reached on specific details or implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various sources and specifications of the sequencers, but there are limitations in the details provided about the technologies and their comparative effectiveness. Some assumptions about the capabilities and future applications of these devices remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those in fields related to genetic research, biotechnology, and ecological studies, as well as individuals considering writing about advancements in DNA sequencing technology.

Biosyn
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What do you guys think of the Ion Proton 1 developed by a chemical engineer named Jonathan Rothberg? It can supposedly sequence most of a human genome for around $1000 compared to the past where had it costed millions.

I don't recall quite clearly, but I think researchers at IBM are developing a sequencer that costs around $100 that can read the bases of DNA fragments that flow through holes on its surface.



P.S.
Could someone please provide me with more references? I might write an essay on the Ion Proton sequencer. Thanks!


Sauce:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21776081

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/07/how-accurate-is-the-new-ion-torrent-genome-really/
 
Biology news on Phys.org
Here's the min-ion. Can do 150 million base pairs in 6 hours on a usb stick:

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-02/20/minion-dna-sequencer
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Pythagorean said:
Here's the min-ion. Can do 150 million base pairs in 6 hours on a usb stick:

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-02/20/minion-dna-sequencer

Impressive :)
$900
Is it one time use? There are over 2.9 billion base pairs in the human genome.
The operational life of the MinION is only about six hours, but during that time it can read more than 150 million base pairs.
Thank you!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Biosyn said:
Impressive :)
$900
Is it one time use? There are over 2.9 billion base pairs in the human genome.!
IIRC it's stackable as well though I may be thinking of something else. It's about time nanopore sequencing started taking off, it's been "only five years away" for decades. What will be interesting is when it is cheap enough and reusable enough for ecologists to simply wander out into the field, spend a day collecting hundreds of samples from plants, soil, water, insects, animals etc then leave them all running overnight to sequence them.
 

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