A New Approach to Sequencing at Caltech

Abstract

Attempts by Hood’s group to automate DNA sequencing began in 1980 and produced a visible outcome in 1985, when the first prototype of the sequenator was unveiled. Their efforts contrasted with those of Sanger’s team, where sequencing techniques were being applied to the DNA of different species — namely bacteriophage viruses — without attempts to expand automation. Hood and Sanger’s agendas were profoundly shaped by their research ambitions and the histories of their home institutions. These personal and institutional differences framed the practices that Hood’s team introduced into sequencing, and differentiated his approach not only from Sanger’s, but also from other contemporary automation projects.