The DNA sequencing is the process of identifying the exact order of
nucleotides within a given DNA molecule. The new portable and relatively
inexpensive DNA sequencers, such as Oxford Nanopore MinION, have the potential
to move DNA sequencing outside of laboratory, leading to faster and more
accessible DNA-based diagnostics. However, portable DNA sequencing and analysis
are challenging for mobile systems, owing to high data throughputs and
computationally intensive processing performed in environments with unreliable
connectivity and power.
In this paper, we provide an analysis of the challenges that mobile systems
and mobile computing must address to maximize the potential of portable DNA
sequencing, and in situ DNA analysis. We explain the DNA sequencing process and
highlight the main differences between traditional and portable DNA sequencing
in the context of the actual and envisioned applications. We look at the
identified challenges from the perspective of both algorithms and systems
design, showing the need for careful co-design