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\begin{document}

\title{A handheld DNA sequencer can confirm the identity of human samples
quickly and cheaply, potentially improving the reproducibility of
research.}



\author[1]{Digests Admin}%
\affil[1]{Digests}%


\vspace{-1em}



  
  \date{May 24, 2024}


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\selectlanguage{english}
\begin{abstract}
This is a Digest of~\emph{Rapid re-identification of human samples using
portable DNA sequencing~\cite{Zaaijer_2017}}.%
\end{abstract}%



\sloppy


The human genome represents the complete set of genetic information
needed to make a person. DNA sequencing technologies used to study
genomes have become much faster, cheaper and more accessible over recent
years. This has enabled them to be used more regularly in various fields
like precision medicine, in research laboratories and forensics. Even
so, there are still fields where optimization is critical.

\par\null

Reproducibility is an important issue in biomedical research; one group
of scientists working with human cells may report results that other
scientists cannot reproduce. Sometimes this is because the original work
was done in the wrong type of cells by mistake. Human cells used in
biomedical research are very hard to discriminate from each other using
microscopes; however, DNA analysis can be used to ensure the origin of
the cells.

\par\null

The MinION device, a USB compatible handheld DNA sequencer, has become
available in the last few years. Its size, speed and portability could
enable many new uses for DNA sequencing. Technology like this could be
used to confirm which cells the scientists are working with before they
publish their results. Yet, currently DNA readings from the MinION are
not accurate enough to be used to reliably confirm the identity of human
cells used in research.

\par\null\selectlanguage{english}
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\includegraphics[width=0.70\columnwidth]{figures/1-PFKCIGEkZXbkERv3uD-o1g/1-PFKCIGEkZXbkERv3uD-o1g}
\caption{{A close up of a MinION. Credit:
\href{https://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/pub/88747.php}{Andrew
Kilianski}(Public Domain)
{\label{366189}}%
}}
\end{center}
\end{figure}

Zaaijer et al. have now developed an approach that can accurately
identify human cells using the MinION device. The approach involves
``DNA re-identification'', which works by comparing an unknown DNA
sample to a collection of known DNA profiles. Using their new method,
Zaaijer et al. report that, with three minutes of DNA sequencing, they
can correctly identify a DNA sample, with 99.9\% confidence. This is a
high enough level of accuracy for the system to tell the difference
between one person and another, using only their DNA.

\par\null

This new technology is much faster than current rapid DNA sequencing
approaches. Previously, processing DNA samples could take hours or even
days and was not particularly portable. The new technology has many
applications from finding criminals to diagnosing illnesses and tracking
epidemics. It is also an affordable way for laboratories to confirm the
identity of cells they are working with. This has the potential to save
billions in research funding each year and speed up scientific progress.

\par\null

\emph{This digest was originally published at eLife~}\cite{1}
\emph{and is reproduced under a CC BY 4.0 license.}

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