A Dutch team has developed a proof-of-concept device capable in theory of sequencing a complete human genome in a time measured in minutes and at a cost measured in pennies.

It passes an individual DNA molecule at a time through a nanopore (created using an electron beam) in a sheet of graphene to measure the conductivity of a single DNA molecule. As these individual DNA molecules translocate through the pore, characteristic temporary conductance changes are observed in the ionic current through the nanopore, setting the stage for future genomic screening.