Beijing Institute of Genomics (BIG) and Inspur Group have started a joint project to develop the third-generation genome sequencing instrument, which might slash the cost of genome sequencing by 99 percent.
BIG and the Inspur Group, a leading supplier of computing platforms and IT application solutions in China, announced the project here on December 3, 2009. The instrument is expected to sequence a person's genome in an hour at a cost of about 1,000 U.S. dollars, compared with six weeks and 60,000-100,000 dollars by the current second-generation instrument, said Yu Jun, Vice Director of Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The first test instrument is expected to be available in 2013.
"The home-made third-generation genome sequencing instrument is not only conducive to life science research, but also concerns the genetic safety of China," Yu said.
The sequencing instrument is vital for gene science research and the made-in-China third-generation instrument will help the country get a leading edge in the field, he added.