Next-generation DNA sequencing technologies have significantly impacted genetics research. Three major platforms - Roche/454, Illumina Genome Analyzer, and Applied Biosystems SOLiD - utilize massively parallel sequencing to generate large amounts of sequence data. Roche/454 uses emulsion PCR to amplify DNA fragments on beads and pyrosequencing to determine sequences. Illumina performs bridge amplification on a flow cell to generate DNA clusters then sequences by synthesis. Applied Biosystems SOLiD uses ligation-based sequencing. These new methods have enabled genome-wide studies and applications such as ancient DNA sequencing and metagenomics that were previously difficult or impossible.