Genomic sequencing: Here’s how researchers identify omicron and other COVID-19 variants

How do scientists detect new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19? Since the late 1990s, next-generation sequencing has revolutionized how researchers collect data on and understand genomes. After DNA is cut up into fragments, short stretches of genetic material called adapters are added to give each nucleotide a different color. For example, adenine is colored blue and cytosine is colored red. By providing essential information on how to curb the spread of new variants, genomic sequencing has saved and will continue to save countless lives over the course of the pandemic. Please SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can get an ad-free feed of Daily Tech Headlines for $0.99 cent a month. A special thanks to all our supporters–without you, none of this would be possible. Show Notes To read the show notes in a separate page click here. Subscribe to News Article Updates on Soundwise