TEXAS, USA — A new $1 million investment could help UT-Arlington researchers make the latest advancements in DNA sequencing and medical care.
The university's North Texas Genome Center said Tuesday than a new genetic sequencer will allow the institution to "more deeply analyze rare genetic variants," calling it "an important step in discovering new insights for the future of health care." According to a press release, the device is the only one of its kind in the North Texas region.
University officials said in the press release that the genetic sequencer could impact research on everything from cancer biology and tuberculosis to coral reef longevity and snake bite treatments.
"The new gene sequencer will advance clinical translational sciences research, facilitate the integration of precision medicine into more research studies and enhance interdisciplinary research," said Elizabeth Merwin, dean of UTA's College of Nursing and Health Innovation, in the release.
The NTGC was founded in 2018 to help facilitate advanced genetic research and health care breakthroughs. The press release states the technology upgrade comes as UTA embarks on a recruiting effort to boost the ranks of its tenured faculty, non-tenured-track research faculty and postdoctoral researchers.
Broadly, DNA sequencing has been used to help identify the kind of cancer a patient might have and can reveal new insights about biology and evolution, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute.
More Texas headlines:
