What is next-generation DNA sequencing?

Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS), also known as massively parallel sequencing, refers to high-throughput sequencing technologies that have revolutionized genomic research. Unlike traditional Sanger sequencing, NGS allows for the simultaneous sequencing of millions or billions of DNA fragments, greatly accelerating the process and reducing costs. It is commonly used for whole-genome sequencing, exome sequencing, targeted gene sequencing, RNA sequencing (transcriptomics), metagenomics, and ChIP-sequencing, enabling applications such as identifying disease-causing mutations, understanding gene expression patterns, discovering new organisms, and studying epigenetic modifications.