The MinION's portability and rapid sequencing capabilities make it invaluable for fieldwork in epidemiology. Here are several reasons why it is important:
1. Rapid Identification of Pathogens: During outbreak situations, swift identification of the causative agent is essential. The MinION can sequence entire genomes within hours, allowing for quick and accurate identification. 2. Portability: Traditional sequencing methods require large, immobile equipment. The MinION’s compact size allows epidemiologists to perform sequencing in remote or resource-limited settings, bringing the lab to the field. 3. Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to other sequencing technologies, the MinION is relatively affordable, making advanced genomic analysis accessible to more researchers and public health labs.
