The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's Biotechnology Research Institute has developed a genechip technology that enables efficient identification of DNA samples. Hundreds of samples can be tested at the same time, by matching their DNA sequence with DNA information of different species already stored on a silicon chip. The technique has already been applied in testing around 30 plants used in Chinese medicines. According to the institute, it can also be used for testing viruses, bacteria, and detecting genetic diseases.