Sequencing single molecules of DNA

In 2004, the NIH set a remarkable challenge: the $1000 genome. Roughly speaking, success would provide, by 2015, the ability to sequence the complete genome of an individual human, quickly and at an accessible price. An intermediate goal of a $100 000 genome was set for 2010. While the cost of Sanger sequencing has dropped dramatically over the past two decades, it is unlikely that the $100 000 genome will be achieved by this means. New massively parallel technologies will push the cost of sequencing towards this mark, but it is doubtful whether these efforts will match the $1000 goal. The best bets for ultrarapid, low-cost sequencing are single-molecule approaches.