Biotechnology company Illumina of San Diego, California, has bought exclusive rights to market, sell and distribute products based on the DNA sequencing technology of UK-based Oxford Nanopore Technologies (see _Nature_ 456, 23–25; 2008).

Unlike conventional methods, the technique identifies sequences by passing DNA one base at a time through a tiny pore made from a protein. The process does not involve molecular tagging or intricate sample preparation, and the companies hope that it will ultimately allow them to sequence an entire human genome for less than US$1,000.

The deal includes an initial investment of $18 million from Illumina, followed by a second cash injection once Oxford Nanopore has demonstrated the commercial scope of the technique. Both firms will share profits from any sales.