Final answer:
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows researchers worldwide to collaborate in genome-wide association studies. It is a group of automated techniques for rapid DNA sequencing, revolutionizing the field of genomics by making it easy, inexpensive, and commonplace to sequence entire genomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is the tool that allows researchers worldwide to collaborate in genome-wide association studies. NGS is a group of automated techniques for rapid DNA sequencing that can generate sequences of hundreds of thousands or millions of short fragments just in one day. This technology has revolutionized the field of genomics by making it easy, inexpensive, and commonplace to sequence entire genomes. Researchers can use NGS to study genetic diseases, population genetics, biodiversity assessments, and much more.