Does Illlmina Also Have A Homopolymer Problem?

One of the most widely-publicized error modes with Ion Torrent and 454 sequencing has been the challenge of correctly counting the number of bases in homopolymer runs.  Because these chemistries use non-terminating nucleotides, polymerase is free to add as many as possible.  Unfortunately, the signal linearity breaks down, making it difficult to correctly count.  Ion Torrent today released a note on homopolymers, but rather than plowing this well-trod ground it goes for a less publicized problem: Illumina having a more specific challenge in this department.  The note is available on the Ion Community, free registration required.

Roche Guns For Illumina

Due to a business dinner & general exhaustion, I turned in early last night & was caught unaware this morning of the big news: Roche is making a hostile takeover bid for Illumina.  Ugh!

Sequencing Technology Fireworks

I actually awoke today expecting an exciting press release, but I sure wasn't prepared for the big announcements from Ion and Illumina.  Not that they were totally unexpected, but there's a huge difference between speculation and announced products (which, of course, are hugely different from ones you can actually buy!)

Ion Torrent Pairs: To What End?

Ion Torrent quietly released a set of paired end datasets over the holiday break.  This is a bit embarassing for me, as in my last post on Ion I stated the platform "will probably never have paired ends" and in fact Ion had already announced the protocol.  Oy!  I also missed their mate pair protocol being released, though the document itself is another victim of Ion's incredibly counterproductive security policy.  If you don't own a PGM, you can't access the document -- never mind if you are trying to plan for a potential buy or are preparing a library for a friend/collaborator to run.