Nanopore sequence analysis, where a single molecule of DNA or RNA is sequenced using a current, can now be done more efficiently with a program developed by teams at the University of NSW and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.

The SLOW5 format which examines nanopore sequences, gives a more complete view of genetic variations that aids medical experts in finding a suitable medical solution quicker, especially for cancer patients.

In the past, genetic data had been recorded in a file format called FAST5, with such complex information often producing files around 1.3 terabyte in size - roughly the equivalent of 650 hours of HD video - which takes around two weeks for computers to process.

"You can think of this like trying to dig a very big hole with ten people, but there is only one shovel they have to share round," said Hasindu Gamaarachchi, a Genomics Computing Systems Engineer at the Garvan Institute.

But Dr Gamaarachchi 's new SLOW5 file not only significantly reduces the size of the files, but can also process the exact same information in around 10.5 hours - more than 30 times faster than FAST5.

"That's how it used to be with FAST5. But with SLOW5 everyone gets their own shovel and they can all dig at the same time and do the job much faster."

Head of Genomic Technologies at the Garvan Institute Ira Deveson noted the new technology "has countless potential applications in clinical genetics, agriculture and other bioscience domains".

"This will open the door to many new applications in medical science for this exciting, emerging technology".

Australian Associated Press