Illumina announces $1000 whole human genome sequencing machine

Genome sequencing-technology company, Illumina, based in San Diego has announced (at the annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference) that its new machine, called the HiSeq X Ten is able to sequence whole human genomes in assembly line fashion at a pace of $1000 each.

If the company's claims pan out, the machine will mark a major milestone in medical research technology.

Scientists who do medical research have long hungered for a massive database filled with the complete genomes (and medical history) of millions of random people. Such a database would allow for spotting genetic patterns that would almost certainly lead to breakthroughs in very wide variety of medical applications.

Sadly, such a database is still but a dream, as far too few people have had their genomes sequenced, which is due in large part, to the huge expense. For that reason, the science and medical community has established a watermark cost for sequencing an entire genome—at $1000.

At that price-point, it is assumed that huge numbers of genomes would be sequenced, eventually leading to that elusive database. Now, it appears, that day might have come. The new machine by Illumina (which is actually a system of ten identical machines that cost $10 million each), its makers say, is able to partially sequence five human genomes in a single day, or 16 full and complete human genome sequences over the course of three days.