From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

The University of South Africa has launched Africa’s first next-generation DNA sequencing  platform, the PacBio Revio, which was developed in collaboration with Inqaba Biotec. The acquisition and installation of this ‘state-of-the-art’ platform, co-funded by both parties, will be housed at Inqaba Biotec’s facilities in Pretoria. Sabrina Jardim tells us more.

Sabrina Jardim:

The collaborative project between Unisa and Inqaba BioTec aims to offer next-generation sequencing services to the wider scientific community using both the PacBio Revio and the independently acquired PacBio Onso systems.

This initiative is expected to significantly boost the capacity for high-quality, long-range sequencing data, enabling comprehensive analyses crucial for studies in genomics and epigenetics.

Inqaba Biotec genomics and PacBio application specialist Acclaim Moila…

Sabrina Jardim:

Unisa and Inqaba Biotec explain that this strategic partnership underscores the commitment of both parties to advancing scientific research and providing cost-effective access to cutting-edge sequencing technologies and represents a significant milestone in enhancing Africa’s genomic research capabilities.

The platform aims to provide enhanced research capabilities whereby the long-read sequencing technology will provide insights into complex biological processes, including gene regulation, development and disease progression.

Moreover, the new sequencing services will be available to researchers and scientists across Africa, fostering a collaborative environment for genomic studies and innovation.

Inqaba Biotec genomics and PacBio application specialist Acclaim Moila…

Sabrina Jardim:

Unisa and Inqaba Biotec note that AfricaBP continues its pioneering work in generating genome sequences of indigenous, endangered, and endemic species from Africa.

These efforts are aimed at addressing key questions about species adaptation and informing conservation strategies to manage populations at risk of extinction.

They explain that the project is dedicated to providing technical support, standardised procedures and scientific directions to conserve the continent’s precious genetic resources effectively.

Inqaba Biotec genomics and PacBio application specialist Acclaim Moila…

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.