What are the advantages of long-read sequencing?

One advantage is that it allows the detection of complex structural variants which may be difficult to identify with short reads. These complex variants include large inversions, translocations, or deletions, some of which have involvement in genetic diseases. Another advantage is that single molecule, real-time sequencing can generate reads that are tens of thousands of bases long, allowing for complete coverage of genomic elements or large amplicons. This allows for the creation of accurate genome assemblies with minimal gaps. Long-read sequencing also has the advantage that it can be used for drug discovery. Long-read sequencing also more accurately sequence DNA containing repeats than NGS can. Additionally, it can more accurately detect larger-scale mutations, where long sections of DNA are deleted or moved.