What if you could sequence the entire human genome in a single day, in a single experiment — for less than $1,000?

What if you could sequence RNA molecules from single cells directly without reverse transcription or amplification?

For most of the past decade, these have been the promise of a technique known as Single Molecule Sequencing - to directly measure single molecules of DNA/RNA and increase the accuracy, simplicity, and scale of genomic experimentation.  And while that one-day, $1,000 genome is still in the future, the platform that will take us there exists today. At Helicos, True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS)™ has become a reality.

The benefits of sequencing single molecules, rather than amplified clusters, or polonies, are clear and compelling:

Simple, scalable sample preparation. Compared to amplified sequencing methods, no elaborate sample processing or new amplification techniques are required. No PCR, no cloning.

Direct DNA, cDNA and RNA sequencing, without amplification. Because the process sequences the DNA and RNA directly, it offers high sequence fidelity — without cDNA synthesis and PCR biases or amplification-induced errors.

Unprecedented throughput. Increased template density — billions of individual molecules of genetic material — enables throughput 1,000 times greater than conventional methods.

Lowest cost per MB. The combination of scale and system sensitivity — as well as an inherently more efficient, fully automated process — considerably reduces reagent usage as well as time to result.