This week 350 DNA profiles were delivered through a direct data connection from sequence provider Illumina in San Diego (USA) to the SURFsara supercomputer in the Netherlands.

This is the first time ever that whole genome sequencing data was safely sent across the ocean through a direct data connection! More DNA profiles will follow in the next months when more DNA samples are sequenced.

With this great new direct connection the transfer of data is quicker and even safer than before. Secure sending of data disks is not needed anymore. This will enable researchers to focus on the analyses of the large amounts of data from whole genome sequencing. The analyses aim to find genetic variations that might cause ALS, with the ultimate aim to find the genetic causes and enable the development of new therapies.