Next generation sequencing (NGS) provides several new technologies for DNA sequencing that have significantly increased throughput and reduced costs compared to previous methods. NGS technologies include Roche/454, Illumina, ABI SOLiD, Ion Torrent, and PacBio. These technologies have various applications including whole genome sequencing, detection of genetic mutations associated with diseases, RNA sequencing to study gene expression, and ChIP sequencing to identify DNA-binding sites. NGS is revolutionizing genomic research by allowing comprehensive study of genomes, transcriptomes, and gene regulation.