ASeq Newsletter

The ASeq Newsletter explores advancements and challenges within the sequencing technology landscape, focusing on industry dynamics, clinical applications, and market competition. It critically examines the role of major companies like Illumina, emerging technologies, and the impact of sequencing in diagnostics and oncology.

Sequencing Technology Genetics and Diagnostics Market Dynamics Clinical Applications Industry Analysis Technological Innovations Company Profiles

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

QuantumSi Raises $50M

14 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
💼 Business Funding Startups Technology Innovation Investment
  1. QuantumSi secured an extra $50 million in funding, which highlights investor interest in their innovative technology. This money is intended to help launch their new 'chip-less' sequencing approach.
  2. The $50 million is a relatively small amount for developing a new sequencing platform, suggesting they might have already made significant progress. It's still unclear if this will be enough to compete successfully in the rapidly evolving field.
  3. Key challenges remain, such as staying ahead of competitors working on optical methods. It's uncertain if their product will be compelling enough, making the upcoming developments closely watched.

QuantumSi - Chips No More!

14 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Quantum Computing Bioengineering Investments Startups
  1. QuantumSi shared new information during their investor day, showcasing their advancements. They seem to be moving beyond traditional chips in their technology.
  2. The QuantumSi project is gaining attention, and many connections are being made in the community. It's a good time to get involved and learn more.
  3. Readers are encouraged to check out the investor day presentation for deeper insights into QuantumSi's direction. It might be useful for those interested in tech innovations.

The NextSeq 2000 Optical System

14 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology Physics Chemistry Technology Engineering
  1. The NextSeq 2000 utilizes structured illumination to improve imaging quality. This technology allows for clearer images of very small features that were hard to see before.
  2. This updated information aims to reach a broader audience, moving from a previous platform to this one.
  3. The content is exclusive for paid subscribers, highlighting the value in subscribing for more detailed insights.

Oxford Nanopore Customer Growth?

14 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Biotech Research Data Analysis Industry Trends Innovation
  1. Oxford Nanopore has stopped sharing details about its customer base, which raises concerns about growth. It's unclear how many customers they really have now.
  2. The MinION, which has a lot of users, isn't very profitable for Oxford, so its slowing growth might not be a big issue.
  3. Research funding seems to be declining overall, which could affect Oxford and other companies in the field, especially for their larger customers.

Acorn Genetics

14 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Nanotechnology Research Methods Innovation
  1. Acorn Genetics is working on a new type of DNA sequencing technology. This technology promises to be fast, giving results in just minutes.
  2. The platform aims to be affordable, costing less than $10,000, which could make it accessible to more users.
  3. One of the cool features is that it won’t require any training to use, meaning anyone could operate it easily.
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Anti-competitive Illumina

14 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Lobbying Legislation Competition Technology Healthcare
  1. Illumina is lobbying the government to protect American genetic data, possibly in response to competition from China.
  2. The Biosecure Act started being developed before Illumina faced a significant loss to a Chinese company in 2022.
  3. Illumina spends a lot on lobbying, particularly about early cancer detection, but their focus has shifted over time.

Oxford JPM Market Breakdown

14 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💰 Finance Market Analysis Investment Trends Stock Performance Financial reports
  1. Oxford's market mostly focuses on research, making up over 80% of their business. This is different from Illumina, which has a bit more than 50% of its work in clinical areas.
  2. There seems to be some confusion about how much applied research is included, as it may come from a service provider.
  3. The information comes from a presentation at the JPM conference, which is aimed at understanding the different market sectors for these companies.

Western Civilization And Genomics

14 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Genomics History Biology Humanity Philosophy
  1. Western civilization has thrived for about 2500 years, with many achievements in science and knowledge. This long history has shaped our understanding of complex topics like genomics.
  2. Key figures like Isaac Newton helped establish scientific methods, moving society away from superstition to rational thinking. This paved the way for discoveries in inheritance and DNA.
  3. Today, we can sequence human genomes more easily than ever before. This ability can change how we understand our biology and ourselves in profound ways.

The CBot

14 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets Innovation Biotech Engineering Devices
  1. The CBot is an important part of DNA sequencing, especially for older instruments like the HiSeq. It takes in samples and helps generate clusters, which are crucial for accurate DNA analysis.
  2. Even though the HiSeq was discontinued, the technology in the CBot goes back many years, showing that some designs can last a long time in the field.
  3. The CBot uses a unique fluidic system with a disposable manifold instead of a vacuum chuck, which makes it easier to handle but raises questions about why such a feature was needed.

More Nanopore Nonsense...

14 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Research Innovation Health
  1. Clive Brown has left Oxford Nanopore, and there are mixed reports about his last day at the company.
  2. Oxford Nanopore attempted to prevent Estonia from acquiring PacBio sequencers for a population sequencing project.
  3. The details of the dispute regarding the sequencers can be found in a public document shared by a user on Discord.

Ion Torrent Proton Chip Manifold

14 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Engineering Hardware Design Manufacturing
  1. The Ion Torrent Proton uses a unique chip manifold design that is quite intricate and beautiful. It seems it can't be made from a single piece; instead, it might need to be made in two parts and then joined together.
  2. The chip manifold's complexity showcases advanced engineering in its design and fabrication process. This attention to detail highlights the innovation in developing such technology.
  3. The information shared is for paid subscribers, indicating that there are exclusive insights available for those who support the content. It's a way to provide deeper knowledge to interested readers.

The Last Few Years In DNA Sequencing

14 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Technology Research Innovation Medicine
  1. New companies have started making sequencers similar to Illumina's, which is a big step for the market. More choices mean users can find better prices and features.
  2. The quality of data from these new sequencers is almost as good as Illumina's. This could force Illumina to lower its prices to stay competitive.
  3. It looks like Illumina's profits have taken a hit due to this increased competition. It's important to keep an eye on how their financials change going forward.

Horrors Of The Theoretical Maximum

14 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Bioinformatics Data Analysis Genomics Research Methods
  1. Vendors sometimes quote theoretical maximums for data output, which can be misleading. It's important to understand that these numbers might not reflect actual performance.
  2. Comparing different technologies can be complicated because they have different specifications and capabilities. Each technology, like PacBio, Oxford Nanopore, and Illumina, has its unique strengths and limitations.
  3. In the real world, the difference between what is theoretically possible and what is actually achieved can be significant. This means we should be cautious and not rely solely on theoretical figures.

The PacBio Benchtop - The Vega

14 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Genomics Instrumentation Data Analysis Healthcare
  1. The new PacBio Vega is a benchtop DNA sequencer that provides 60Gb of data in just 24 hours and costs $169,000. There's also a lower cost option for labs that need less capacity.
  2. When compared to Oxford Nanopore's PromethION, the Vega appears to deliver better accuracy and more consistent results, making it a suitable choice for smaller labs needing reliable output.
  3. The launch of the Vega could help PacBio increase revenue and broaden its market presence, as it appeals to labs that want access to high-quality sequencing without breaking the bank.

Abrus Bio, Inc.

14 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Research Innovation Patents
  1. Abrus Bio is working on technology involving DNA sequencing for analysis. This means they are using DNA to read information, similar to what other companies are doing.
  2. There is a discussion happening in an online community about Abrus Bio, showing that there is interest and curiosity in their work.
  3. The author is researching patents related to Abrus Bio to understand more about their technology and innovations. This shows the importance of looking into legal documents to learn about new developments.

ONT Suing BGI Again!

7 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Intellectual Property Legal issues Product Development
  1. Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) is taking legal action against BGI in the UK. This follows their earlier decision to pause a lawsuit in the US.
  2. Users of Oxford Nanopore products might face limitations due to user agreements, which could affect their ability to develop competing technologies.
  3. Currently, there isn't concrete evidence proving that BGI has violated ONT's patents, suggesting that the situation could require more careful consideration and evidence before further legal actions.

PacBio@JPM - Tech Stuff

7 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Tech development Biotechnology Data Analysis Innovation Research
  1. PacBio is working on high-density chips that can hold more information than before. This means they can process data faster and more efficiently.
  2. The focus on ongoing technical development indicates that PacBio is trying to stay ahead in the biotech field. They are continuously improving their technology to meet market needs.
  3. The information presented is part of a broader update at the JPM conference, showing that PacBio is committed to advancing their technology and sharing their progress with subscribers.

Clive's Departure from Oxford Confirmed

7 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Startups Leadership Innovation Biotechnology Company Culture
  1. Clive has left Oxford Nanopore, and Rosemary Sinclair Dokos and Lakmal Jayasinghe are taking over his roles. They seem like good choices for the company.
  2. Clive's leadership was important to the company's vision and success, and many believe it could have struggled without him.
  3. There have been several senior departures from Oxford in the past year, which might have changed the company's culture, but product and strategy changes are still unclear.

Genopore - Nanopore Protein Detection

7 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Research Health Innovation Diagnostics
  1. Genopore is an Israeli company focused on a new way to detect proteins. They are more interested in detection methods rather than just fingerprinting or sequencing proteins.
  2. The technology they are developing is considered novel, suggesting it could bring new advancements to protein detection.
  3. Their patents and website indicate they have a clear direction towards enhancing protein detection capabilities.

That GenomeWeb Article On Spatial Growth...

7 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biology Technology Innovation Health Research
  1. New technology is emerging in the field of single-cell sequencing, making it easier to analyze large amounts of data. Companies like Parse and 10x are leading the way with new products.
  2. The market for bio-tech is growing, but there are signs it may slow down in the upcoming year. Keeping an eye on industry trends will be important.
  3. Illumina is preparing to launch new technology in 2025, which could have a big impact on gene expression studies. It's worth watching how these advancements will change research.

Illumina Sanctions

7 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Trade Finance Economics International Technology
  1. Illumina might face sanctions in China due to trade tensions. This situation is unusual for a company focused on genetic technology.
  2. Their revenue in China was only 7% of their total, which is about $75 million. It's important to note that this revenue has been decreasing since 2022.
  3. Even with these potential sanctions, the overall impact on Illumina is expected to be minor. Their business in China isn't as significant as it may seem.

Ion Proton - FPGAs!

7 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Hardware Software Data Engineering Innovation
  1. The Ion Proton DNA sequencer uses specific hardware for DNA acquisition, which is important for its function.
  2. This hardware is expensive and involves custom designs, making it a significant cost for the sequencer.
  3. The upcoming summary will focus on the disassembly of the Ion Proton, which reveals more about its inner workings.

Plasmidsaurus

7 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Biotech Startups Funding Services Technology
  1. Plasmidsaurus aims to be the go-to for DNA sequencing services by 2025, offering faster and higher-quality results. They want biotech companies to rely on them instead of in-house services.
  2. The company originated from a merger of two firms, SNPsaurus and Primordium Labs, both focused on plasmid sequencing. They started with competitive pricing and innovative approaches to attract customers.
  3. Plasmidsaurus is reportedly generating significant revenue, with claims of over $40 million annually from their sequencing services, which includes a contract with Oxford Nanopore.

Roche Nanopore: Accuracy

7 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Data Analysis Medical Research
  1. Roche's Q39 accuracy system is different from other platforms like Illumina and Oxford Nanopore. It's important to compare them carefully as each has unique metrics.
  2. The average accuracy of different sequencing platforms varies, but Roche doesn't provide clear comparisons. They share limited data about their simplex accuracy.
  3. Understanding the differences in data quality and error rates across platforms is crucial. Factors like read length and error filtering play a significant role in the accuracy of sequencing results.

Law Enforcement And Genealogy Databases

7 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Privacy Rights Criminal Justice Data Access
  1. Genealogy databases like GEDMatch can help law enforcement find suspects by connecting them to family trees using public DNA data. However, this process isn’t straightforward and can raise privacy concerns.
  2. There are ongoing legal issues regarding how law enforcement accesses genetic data, especially when users haven't given clear permission. Some companies have provided access to data against users' wishes.
  3. As the technology improves, it's likely that genetic databases will become more effective for solving crimes. This raises questions about privacy and the potential misuse of such powerful tools.

NobleGen

7 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Nanotechnology Research Medical
  1. Noblegen focused on an optical nanopore DNA sequencing method, but they are no longer active. This approach has been attempted multiple times with limited success.
  2. They incorporated a technique where each DNA base is replaced with multiple bases to simplify detection, but there's not much strong evidence that this method works well.
  3. The Noblegen Optipore method showed promise in development, but it was ultimately not adopted, reflecting the challenges in the field of DNA sequencing technology.

Ultima Genomics

7 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genomics Research Technology Healthcare Biotechnology
  1. Ultima Genomics is making progress, but there are doubts about their ability to meet demand.
  2. They have created a large dataset of 100 million cells with Vevo Therapeutics using new technology.
  3. The community is actively discussing their projects and updates to stay informed.

Year In Review - Long Reads

7 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Genomics Sequencing Biotechnology Medical Research Health tech
  1. PacBio faced challenges in the stock market but still aims to provide high-quality clinical genomic sequencing. They are seen as a strong competitor in the long-read space despite financial struggles.
  2. Oxford Nanopore has been active in raising funds but has dealt with internal issues and departures of significant team members. Profitability remains an elusive goal for both them and PacBio.
  3. New competitors are emerging in the long-read sequencing market, including Roche and BGI, who are exploring nanopore sequencing technology. This could shake up the landscape for current players.

The PromethION...

7 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Research Manufacturing Innovation
  1. The PromethION flowcell might have a lower cost of goods sold compared to the MinION. This could be a reason for its continued use despite falling sales of the MinION.
  2. There’s speculation about who is involved in making and designing the PromethION and its costs. Understanding this could shed light on its future.
  3. The author seems to question why Oxford is not considering cancelling the MinION given its declining sales, which shows concern for business decisions.

Synthesis - Switchback Systems, Inc.

0 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Proteomics Patents Innovation
  1. Switchback Systems appears to own some interesting technology but isn't using it in the expected way. Instead of focusing on protein sequencing, they're exploring a new method for synthesis.
  2. There's some confusion about the direction of Switchback Systems because they don't seem to align with the typical work associated with their intellectual property.
  3. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding how companies adapt their technologies and where they might lead in the future.

Oxford Nanopore Layoffs

0 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Investments Layoffs Workforce Technology
  1. Oxford Nanopore has laid off around 60 employees, which is about 5% of its workforce. It's tough for those affected, and many were talented individuals.
  2. These layoffs come after reports of new investments in the company, suggesting there might be some uncertainty about reaching profitability soon.
  3. Despite having great technology and good people, the leadership at Oxford Nanopore seems to make questionable decisions, which raises concerns about the company's future.

JPM In Review

0 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
💼 Business Finance Technology Market Analysis Healthcare Investments
  1. Oxford Nanopore's revenue is growing, but it's unclear if they'll be profitable by 2027. Their growth is mostly due to a product called Plasmidsaurus, but future short-term growth is uncertain.
  2. Pacific Biosciences is struggling with revenue and sticking to their short reads strategy, which isn't performing well. However, their technical advancements and research look promising.
  3. Illumina's revenue is stable, which is good given current market challenges. They are focusing more on clinical applications, aiming to provide high-quality insights at lower costs.

PacBio@JPM - Market/Financials

0 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💼 Business Market Trends Financial Analysis Corporate strategy Investment Insights Revenue growth
  1. The Onso sequencer was barely mentioned in the recent PacBio presentation, which is surprising given its high accuracy.
  2. There seems to be a new short read sequencer coming soon, called SuperOnso, which is expected to show results by late 2025.
  3. On a positive note, the revenue from consumables is growing, and PacBio has managed to significantly reduce their financial losses.

Nanopore Sequencing Companies: Geneus

0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Medical Devices Genomics Startups Innovation
  1. Geneus is a nanopore sequencing company claiming 99% accuracy in their technology. They use special features that allow many sequencing units to fit on a tiny chip.
  2. Their sequencing method seems to be different from others, focusing on synthesizing a complementary strand with unique tags. This method helps identify the sequence of DNA more effectively.
  3. The advancements in size and technology from Geneus might be huge, but details on how they achieved this remain unclear.

NextSeq 550 Image Sensor Pinout

0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Electronics Imaging Engineering Hardware
  1. The NextSeq 550 has a specific image sensor design that is being explored in detail. Understanding its components can help improve its use.
  2. Previous experiments with LEDs and dyes have provided insights into the image sensor's capabilities. Learning from these tests can enhance the device's performance.
  3. There are various posts that contain helpful observations about the NextSeq 550's imaging and fluidic systems. These notes can serve as valuable references for users and researchers.

Pleno Problems?

0 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Technology Investments Market Trends
  1. Pleno is facing serious problems, including rumors of shutting down and significant staff changes. It's a confusing situation with mixed reports about its future.
  2. The CEO has left the company, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding Pleno. Leadership changes can significantly impact a startup's direction.
  3. A previous investigation into Pleno was based on guesses and patents, highlighting the importance of solid information for making assessments about the company. It's clear that more reliable data is needed to understand their status.

Electronic Biosciences Magnetic Motion Control

0 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biosciences Technology Patents Research Innovation
  1. Electronic Biosciences is a company that has been around for a long time, focusing on nanopore technology for detection methods. They're known for getting funding from DARPA since around 2008.
  2. The company is developing new ways to control motion using magnetism, which could be cool in tech applications.
  3. The information about their patents shows they are continuing to innovate and explore different possibilities in the bioscience field.