Notes for NGS Newbies

Before diving in with both feet, next-generation sequencing neophytes might want to take a gander at a post by Dan Koboldt at MassGenomics where he describes his 10 commandments for good next-gen sequencing.

In his post, Koboldt breaks up his instructions into four categories: analysis, publications, data sharing and submissions, and research ethics and cost.

His list includes some oft repeated warnings. For example, he cautions against reinventing the wheel when it comes to developing analysis software, and, for pity's sake, don't invent any more words that end in "ome" or "omics."

Some other no-no's, according to Koboldt, include publishing results before they've been vetted properly, testing new methods on simulated data only, and taking "unfair advantage of submitted data."

He also admonishes newcomers to think a little bit about the cost of analysis without which "your sequencing data, your $1,000 genome, is about as useful as a chocolate teapot," and to have a care for the privacy of their study participants' samples and data.