The speed at which DNA can be sequenced has increased exponentially since the introduction of first-generation sequencing methods. The length of DNA sequenced in a given time can be measured in base pairs (bp), kilobase pairs (kb, where 1 kb=103 bp1\text{ kb} = 10^3\text{ bp}1 kb=103 bp), or gigabase pairs (Gb, where 1 Gb=109 bp1\text{ Gb} = 10^9\text{ bp}1 Gb=109 bp).
In 1990, an automated fluorescent capillary sequencer could sequence at a rate of approximately 2.4 kb2.4\text{ kb}2.4 kb per hour. By 2020, modern next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms could sequence approximately 12 Gb12\text{ Gb}12 Gb per hour.
Calculate how many times faster the speed of DNA sequencing is in 2020 compared with 1990. Give your answer in standard form.
