This document summarizes trends in DNA sequencing methods and applications. It discusses the purpose and historical methods of DNA sequencing, including the Maxam-Gilbert and Sanger methods. Next generation sequencing methods like Roche 454, Illumina, SOLiD, Ion Torrent, and PacBio are described. Applications of sequencing include analyzing gene structure, detecting mutations, microbial identification, and whole genome sequencing. The document provides details on sequencing techniques, platforms, yields, and error rates.