The Importance of Data Compression in the Field of Genomics

Genomic research is the driver of efforts to create personalized medicine and discover cures for cancer, rare diseases, and other serious health conditions. Thanks to the widespread availability of inexpensive genome sequencing technology, the field is expanding rapidly. Many countries plan to sequence significant proportions of their population, and individuals are using genome sequences to discover more about themselves. The (no doubt already sequenced) elephant in the room is that each whole genome produces a data file of around 100 GB. If the demand for genome sequences continues at its current rate, genomic sequencing could be producing 40 exabytes of data per year by 2025.