The hottest Sequencing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

A Visual Guide to DNA Sequencing

Asimov Press • 851 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. DNA sequencing has moved from slow, radioactive lab work to fast, automated machines, causing sequencing costs and turnaround times to fall dramatically.
  2. Different technologies make trade-offs: some (like Illumina) give very accurate short reads, others (like PacBio and nanopore) produce long reads useful for repetitive or complex regions, and nanopore adds portability and real-time reading.
  3. These advances have revolutionized biology and medicine by enabling large-scale genome projects, clinical genetic testing, ancient DNA and metagenomics studies, and ongoing efforts to make whole-genome sequencing even cheaper and more widely available.

Roche Axelios - My Current Understanding

ASeq Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 07 Mar 26
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. Roche’s Axelios can deliver genomes far cheaper than competitors — the headline is $150/genome, but a near‑Illumina quality simplex 30x genome may be around $30, with duplex offered for higher accuracy.
  2. Initial 19‑hour prep times looked concerning, but an SBX‑Fast workflow suggests similar throughput with about a 3.5‑hour prep; final workflows (especially for simplex) aren’t public and prep time could still affect margins.
  3. The system uses small disposable sensor chips that Roche claims can be reused (~20×), so chip cost likely only adds a modest amount (probably under ~$100) to each run rather than being a major cost driver.

Roche Axelios Pricing

ASeq Newsletter • 72 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. Roche’s Axelios is priced competitively with Illumina — offering $150 per duplex genome and very low simplex read costs — but not so cheap that it will immediately displace Illumina, so adoption will be gradual.
  2. Roche has clear advantages over newer rivals: it’s lower risk, more technically interesting, and cheaper for many counting/simplex applications, so it’s likely to outcompete companies like Ultima and Element.
  3. Reusable chips and low per-run chip costs give Roche room to cut prices or offer big customer discounts later, but high switching costs and Illumina’s entrenched position mean market changes will be slow and uneven.

BGI Nanopore Peptide Profiling

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. BGI demonstrated a scaled-up method for classifying peptides with nanopores, showing the approach works beyond small proofs of concept.
  2. They attach DNA handles to peptide ends so peptides can be threaded and paced through a nanopore using existing DNA sequencing control.
  3. The study revealed more technical detail about BGI’s nanopore platform, indicating it could be adapted for larger-scale protein or peptide analysis.

Illumina Q50, Q70 Reads

ASeq Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. Illumina has renamed the Constellation product to TruPath.
  2. Illumina unveiled a new 35B flowcell for the NovaSeq X.
  3. They announced Q70 Duplex reads but didn’t share details, and also highlighted progress in spatial genomics, single‑cell, and proteomics.
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Illumina Deliver Q70. Complete Genomics Sold.

ASeq Newsletter • 51 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. Illumina is targeting Q50 overall read quality by the end of 2027, and some kits will achieve Q70.
  2. They’re releasing much higher-throughput options, including a 5 billion-read flow cell, a 1.5 billion-read 600-cycle kit, and upgrades pushing 10 billion reads to 14 billion (20-hour runs) and 25 billion to 35 billion reads.
  3. Per-run prices will go up while cost per base goes down, and Complete Genomics has been sold.

More Roche SBX Workflow Thoughts

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. There are two Axelios workflows being compared: SBX-D is a duplex, multi-day protocol around 19 hours, while SBX-Fast completes in roughly 3.5 hours.
  2. Collected run data were used to directly compare SBX-D and SBX-Fast to show their relative throughput and performance differences.
  3. The comparison highlights trade-offs between speed and duplex capability, so choosing a workflow depends on whether higher throughput or shorter turnaround time is more important.

A Few More Roche SBX Chip Notes

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. More technical details and small updates about the Roche SBX chip are still being discussed.
  2. TruPath is noted as interesting but not very exciting here, partly because it’s already been covered elsewhere.
  3. The write-up is behind a paywall and requires a paid subscription or sign-in to access.

Roche SBX Interest High, Workflow Questions

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. Interest in Roche’s Axelios sequencer is high and early reactions to AGBT pricing look positive.
  2. If those early responses hold, about 58% of NovaSeq X sales could shift to Axelios, roughly 150 units based on 2025 Illumina numbers.
  3. That level of market shift is probably unrealistic, so real-world impact is uncertain and likely smaller.

Element High-throughput: Vitari

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. A new high-throughput sequencer delivers up to 5 billion reads per flowcell, running 2x150bp in about 36 hours with a planned upgrade to 2x300bp in the future.
  2. It targets a $100 per-genome consumable cost while the instrument is priced at $689,000, putting it cheaper per genome than some competitors but more expensive than others.
  3. The system is compact (mini-fridge size) and uses two flowcells with six lanes each, positioning it as a solid alternative to existing high-throughput platforms.

Real Roche Chips!

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. Clear images of Roche SBX chips from AGBT have surfaced and are being shared on Discord.
  2. The photos use colored 'party' lighting and lack a neutral background or scale, which makes careful inspection harder.
  3. A 2.54 mm pitch SIL header visible in the picture is being used as a scale to de-skew the image and estimate PCB dimensions, while fuller measurements and analysis are in a paid subscriber post.

Syndex Bio/Ultima

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. Syndex Bio’s mcPCR can copy both DNA sequence and methylation marks during amplification, effectively enabling ‘PCR for methylation’. This should improve testing of small or non‑invasive oncology samples for earlier detection and recurrence monitoring.
  2. Ultima Genomics launched a cheaper (~$850K) second instrument (ug200) that removes a separate ePCR step and doubles output per wafer, boosting throughput and lowering cost. It still appears bead‑based on unpatterned wafers, which suggests there’s further density headroom if they optimize wafer/flowcell design.
  3. The bigger risk for Ultima is commercial: they need to find enough customers to absorb the massive throughput and drive the hyper‑elastic growth required for the business to survive. Capacity and performance may be strong, but market adoption is the key bottleneck.

Why Are We So Excited About Roche?

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. Roche’s new Axelios single-molecule sequencer appears to be a real engineering breakthrough that can match or beat Illumina on key metrics like read length, speed, throughput, and accuracy.
  2. Because Roche is large, well-funded, and running global pilots, it can aggressively compete on price and scale, potentially grabbing significant market share if reuse and pricing work out.
  3. Significant uncertainty remains due to Roche’s mixed history, pricing and purchasing-cycle risks, and execution challenges, so excellent technology doesn’t guarantee immediate market disruption.

SV40 Enhancer qPCR

Nepetalactone Newsletter • 1572 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. A new qPCR assay is designed to detect SV40 enhancer in the Pfizer vaccine.
  2. The assay is more sensitive than other assays and can help track tissues with SV40 elements.
  3. This qPCR tool could be useful in screening clinical samples for PCR positivity and prioritize for further sequencing.

P2 Solo Alternatives (But Probably Not For You)

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. Several companies now offer compact, high‑throughput nanopore sequencers (Qitan Q‑P2, MGI CycloneSeq/G100‑ER, PolySeq X2, Meilitech), but most models are currently sold mainly in China or Russia and are hard to obtain elsewhere.
  2. MGI's CycloneSeq is the most likely near‑term global alternative, yet it faces legal/IP disputes, possible sales restrictions and tariffs, unclear pricing, and reports of lower data quality compared with established platforms.
  3. The growing number of competitors shows nanopore know‑how isn't exclusive to one company, so competing platforms will probably improve and become more widely available over time.

Oxford Nanopore P2 Support Extended, Remembering the SmidgION

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. Oxford Nanopore faced major customer backlash after announcing the P2 Solo withdrawal, and they extended support to 2030 by about 1.5 years.
  2. The way the P2 issue was handled risks eroding customer trust, and the incoming CEO will likely need to address that damage.
  3. Patent digging turned up evidence suggesting the SmidgION — a previously missing nanopore product — may exist or be in development.

Inso Biosciences

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. They developed a fluidic micropillar system that separates DNA using microfluidic flows.
  2. The tech is focused on preserving and recovering high‑molecular‑weight (long) DNA for long‑read nanopore sequencing.
  3. The aim is a fast, integrated microfluidic sample‑to‑library workflow to speed up nanopore sequencing preparation.

A Sample-to-Answer DNA Sequencer (FLP-L50)

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. The MGI FLP-L50 is a highly integrated sample-to-answer DNA sequencer that combines many steps into one device.
  2. It takes a different approach from other sample-to-answer sequencers previously discussed, offering a unique level of integration.
  3. The instrument reportedly has strong sales in China, suggesting commercial traction in that market.

All the Sample-To-Answer qPCR Machines

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. Many commercial systems fully automate sample-to-answer molecular testing and produce results in roughly 13–120 minutes.
  2. The market spans traditional qPCR platforms and newer isothermal or novel technologies, offered by a wide range of companies.
  3. Sequencing still needs extensive prep and trained staff, so automated sample-to-answer molecular platforms are more practical for rapid diagnostics, and several novel approaches are worth watching.

ONT P2 Solo To Be Discontinued

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. The P2 Solo, a two-flowcell device that relied on customer-supplied compute, has been discontinued while the integrated-compute P2i remains, which has upset many users.
  2. Supporting many different external compute setups over USB-C was hard and risky, and moving people to the pricier integrated P2i likely reduced support complexity and the chance of lost runs.
  3. A practical alternative would have been a P2 Solo 2 with internal buffering storage and an Ethernet option so runs aren’t lost on flaky USB-C connections and labs can still stream to their own servers.

Year In Review: Sequencing

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. Roche unexpectedly brought a high‑throughput nanopore sequencer that looks competitive with Illumina on throughput, quality, and cost, implying single‑molecule sequencing could reshape the market.
  2. Oxford Nanopore faces leadership change and financial pressure after massive investment, and growing competition (including Chinese clones and Roche) threatens its hard‑won nanopore lead.
  3. Illumina remains the largest player but is showing flat revenue and shifting toward clinical markets, while PacBio—despite leading on long‑read quality—struggles with limited adoption and a small market.

Mapping your company's year: how to sequence the big processes

Lessons • 255 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
💼 Business Sequencing
  1. Sequencing big projects in your company efficiently can save time and streamline processes.
  2. Key company-wide activities to schedule include board meetings, business reviews, budgeting, and performance reviews.
  3. Being thoughtful about the timing of important processes like performance reviews can impact company productivity.

Daisy Genomics

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. They rebranded from Armonica to Daisy Genomics and recently raised about $2.5M.
  2. That amount is modest for single-molecule sensing work, but in the current funding climate any raise is a positive sign.
  3. Patents and company direction indicate a shift away from tortuous nanopore approaches toward nano-channel sequencing devices.

Solid State Nanopores - Shanghai BaiCe Technology Co., Ltd. (上海佰测科技有限公司)

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. A little-known Chinese solid-state nanopore sequencing startup has been identified, but there is almost no public information or a company website.
  2. Their patent describes a nanopore with an embedded conductive layer or single measurement electrode that senses signals inside the pore while a separate bias voltage only drives DNA or other strands through.
  3. They claim sensing through the solid electrode reduces solution interference and that upper/lower nanopores produce useful current changes, but no experimental data or public results are available yet.

DNAe Early Access

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. DNAe has launched an early-access program for a sample-to-answer platform they describe as NGS-capable, but the public early version likely uses targeted primer-extension detection rather than full sequencing.
  2. The system uses vacutainer-style cartridges with magnetic‑bead extraction and an ion-based yes/no readout, making it behave more like a high‑plex PCR/FilmArray-style device for rapid sepsis and AMR testing.
  3. The company has been developing this technology for over two decades with alpha instruments and a hospital trial since 2023, and it operates with complex funding (grants and corporate backing) alongside large intercompany debt implying total spend/raise well over $500M.

A Primer on NGS Technologies and Their Specs (2025)

LatchBio • 22 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. The sequencing technology landscape is growing rapidly, with many companies and instruments now available. It's becoming easier to measure different aspects of biology, and sequencing is often the final step in many biological workflows.
  2. The cost of sequencing has dropped significantly over the years, reaching under $1,000 for a human genome. This price drop has opened up accessibility for more research and applications.
  3. Modern sequencers are not just for DNA anymore; they are integrating multiple modalities, such as protein detection and spatial analysis. This makes them powerful tools for understanding complex biological systems.

Roche Nanopore Expectation Management

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. The Roche Nanopore sequencer is expected to generate useful sequence data, showcasing its potential in the market. This could help solidify nanopores as a valuable detection technology.
  2. Accuracy is important for applications, but Roche is likely to compete on cost, which could make their technology appealing for various uses. Their position is good for future improvements.
  3. Roche's innovations may lead to significant competition for existing sequencing methods, especially Illumina. The expectations suggest that this could reshape the sequencing landscape.

How To Respond To Roche

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. Roche's upcoming announcement could greatly change the DNA sequencing industry by introducing low-cost, high-output nanopore sequencing technology.
  2. Even if the quality of Roche's sequencing isn't the best now, the high throughput they promise means they could outpace current methods and become competitive.
  3. Current sequencing companies need to rethink their strategies quickly to stay relevant or they might risk being outmatched and going extinct in this evolving market.

An Ultima Genomics Sample Dataset

ASeq Newsletter • 51 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. Ultima Genomics focuses on ultra-high throughput sequencing at a lower cost compared to Illumina.
  2. Data quality in Ultima's release is slightly worse than Illumina, but could still be sufficient for most applications.
  3. It will be interesting to see how Ultima performs in the market and how Illumina responds.

Illumina Reagent Volumes And Recipes

ASeq Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. Illumina does not provide public disclosure on reagent volumes, but you can measure them from kits.
  2. Recipe files for different Illumina sequencing platforms are available online to guide reagent amounts for the flowcell.
  3. A Google doc has extracted reagent steps for a deblock/incorporation cycle from various Illumina recipe files.

PacBio Acquires Apton!

ASeq Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Sequencing
  1. PacBio is acquiring Apton BioSystems for approximately $110M to enhance their sequencing technology.
  2. The acquisition of Apton seems strategic for PacBio to develop a competitive high-throughput sequencing instrument.
  3. PacBio's new instrument lineup includes a range of sequencers from mid-range short reads to high-throughput long reads.

Arguments Against Clinical Meta-genomics

ASeq Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. Funding for surveillance is lacking, so focusing on diagnostics may not be practical.
  2. Existing methods can detect new pathogens, reducing the need for meta-genomic sequencing.
  3. Challenges exist in making meta-genomic sequencing platforms affordable and appealing compared to traditional methods.

454.Bio And Reticula

ASeq Newsletter • 43 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. Bio is working on a cheap and simple DNA sequencing platform
  2. Bio and Reticula both use evanescent fields to remove labels near the surface for sequencing
  3. Reticula has been ahead in the technology but patents might expire soon

Year In Review - Everything Else!

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. Clinical sequencing is becoming a major part of the medical field, especially in areas like oncology and genetic disease testing. However, many clinicians still find it challenging to use these new testing methods.
  2. Protein sequencing is an emerging area with potential advancements on the horizon, particularly with new technologies like Nanopore. It's an exciting field that many are watching closely.
  3. Single cell analysis remains a hot topic, but companies like 10X Genomics are facing challenges with growth and patent issues. There are still many experiments and innovations happening in this space.

4 Reads Per Cluster! Simultaneously Paired End-Sequencing!

ASeq Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. Illumina has a method to potentially double their instruments' throughput, but it may come with a slight decrease in accuracy.
  2. By simultaneously reading both the forward and reverse strands, Illumina can achieve four reads per cluster, doubling the throughput.
  3. Implementing the simultaneous paired-end sequencing approach may be challenging without sacrificing accuracy, but it opens up opportunities for increased throughput in the future.

Illumina Cluster Domination

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🔬 Science Sequencing
  1. Illumina sequencing uses clusters of DNA fragments, which can create issues if not all the fragments are the same.
  2. Unpatterned flowcells may have overlapping clusters leading to ambiguous results.
  3. Patterned flowcells use Exclusion Amplification to prevent cluster overlap and improve sequencing accuracy.