Metagenomics white paper

Overview

The advance of DNA sequencing technologies to allow genomic analysis of samples containing many species has made it possible to obtain complete or nearly complete genome sequences from uncultured microorganisms — providing an important means to study their biology, ecology, and evolution. However, a number of challenges remain, particularly for time-critical or remote sampling applications such as outbreak investigation and pathogen surveillance. In this review, we will explore the challenges of metagenomics, with real-world examples of how they are now being addressed through the use of nanopore sequencing technology.