Single-Molecule Gene Sequencer
Most gene sequencers require thousands of copies of a DNA strand. But Helicos BioSciences’ new system can sequence a single molecule, simplifying sample preparation and decreasing cost. It can also gauge gene activity by counting messenger RNAs, molecules that help translate genes into proteins; its ability to rapidly determine chemicals’ effects on gene activity could speed drug development. With improvements to just its reagent kits, the system could ultimately deliver the $1,000 genome.

Cost: $1,350,000; single-use reagent kit: $18,000
Source: www.helicosbio.com
Company: Helicos BioSciences
Keep Reading
Most Popular
A Roomba recorded a woman on the toilet. How did screenshots end up on Facebook?
Robot vacuum companies say your images are safe, but a sprawling global supply chain for data from our devices creates risk.
A startup says it’s begun releasing particles into the atmosphere, in an effort to tweak the climate
Make Sunsets is already attempting to earn revenue for geoengineering, a move likely to provoke widespread criticism.
10 Breakthrough Technologies 2023
The viral AI avatar app Lensa undressed me—without my consent
My avatars were cartoonishly pornified, while my male colleagues got to be astronauts, explorers, and inventors.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.