Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples present ongoing challenges for whole-genome sequencing (WGS) due to DNA fragmentation, crosslinking and chemical modifications. Labs frequently encounter issues with low DNA yield, inconsistent insert sizes and unreliable variant calling, which can compromise results. In this Science Spotlight episode, Bella Pfeiffer, an Automation Research Associate at Covaris, demonstrates how Adaptive Focused Acoustics® (AFA®) workflows address these obstacles, delivering higher DNA recovery and more reliable sequencing outcomes.