IBM is building a nanoscale DNA sequencer that works by moving DNA through a ‘nanopore’ one nucleotide at a time. The concept appears functional in silico. The challenge is to regulate the speed the nucleotides pass through the tube. Fast enough to reach throughput objectives. Slow enough to discretely identify each A,G,C, or T.

If successful, the ‘DNA Transistor’ could improve throughput and reduce cost of genome-scale analysis to a cost of $100 to $1,000. In comparison, the Human Genome Project (HGP) cost $3 billion.

(See also: IBM: IBM Research Aims to Build Nanoscale DNA Sequencer to Help Drive Down Cost of Personalized Genetic Analysis)
(See also: BBC: DNA sequencing in a holey new way)