Research reading and comparing genomes. Covers disease redefinition, pangenome-guided breeding, crop pathogens, and reference genomes for neuroscience.
A large-scale genome analysis of over 10,000 TB pathogen strains has shown that genome sequencing can improve treatment and potentially replace traditional resistance testing. This method enables precise prediction of drug resistance and individualized treatment plans, saving resources and time.
The decoded genome of Ulva mutabilis reveals that the seaweed has stolen genes from bacteria to adapt to stresses like excessive light and dehydration. This discovery provides insights into how evolution acts on genomes to modify biology and may help predict future trends under climate change.
The All of Us Research Program has awarded $28.6M to establish three genome centers, generating genomic data from 1 million biosamples contributed by program participants. These centers will provide critical data for precision medicine research and support studies on various health questions.
Researchers have confirmed that genome duplication drives the evolution of polyploid plant species, such as Arabidopsis kamchatica. The study found that the double genome allows for advantageous genetic mutations and increased adaptability to environmental conditions.
A team of researchers has successfully sequenced and assembled the cane toad genome, providing a reference for understanding its interplay with ecosystems. The findings also identify three new viruses that could potentially be used as biocontrol agents, offering new hope in controlling the invasive species' population.
The Brigham Genomic Medicine program uses state-of-the-art genomic technologies to diagnose and discover genetic underpinnings of disease. By analyzing genomic data with a multidisciplinary team, the program has identified culprit genes for 30 families, providing critical information for diagnostics and treatment.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new genetics tool called conStruct to analyze large datasets of genetic variation. The tool helps identify patterns of relatedness among individuals and populations, overcoming previous statistical challenges.
Researchers have successfully mapped the orange clownfish's genome using high-tech sequencing tools, creating a comprehensive genetic blueprint. The completed genome contains over 26,000 protein-coding genes and will aid in understanding reef fish biology, sex change, larval dispersal, and ocean acidification impacts.
A new study finds that individuals with a disease-associated mutation can have vastly different symptoms due to the total amount of rare mutations in their genome. The researchers discovered a correlation between the number of mutations and cognitive development, IQ scores, and head size.
Researchers have determined the DNA code of the opium poppy genome, unlocking key steps in how the plant evolved to produce vital medicines. The discovery may lead to improved yields and disease resistance, securing a reliable supply of effective pain relief medications.
Researchers at York University found that inbreeding and disease are likely causes of the yellow-banded bumblebee's rapid decline in North America. The study reveals that bumblebees' immune genes are under selection, pointing to disease as a likely cause.
Scientists investigate the recent yellow fever outbreak in Brazil, finding that it originated from nonhuman primates in the forest and spread to humans. The study highlights the importance of real-time disease monitoring and public health countermeasures.
The study reveals geographical patterns in epigenetic changes between 100 landraces of wheat, suggesting that these changes have arisen due to environmental conditions. This discovery provides breeders with a new tool to improve how plants respond to local conditions, enabling farmers to grow the best possible crop for their environment.
A new EU-wide study found that more than half of severe listeriosis cases belong to clusters, which are often not detected quickly enough by current surveillance systems. The use of whole genome sequencing could lead to faster detection of multi-country outbreaks, saving up to 5 months of investigations.
The University of Maryland has contributed to the publication of two collaborative papers in Science that detail the full genome sequence of wheat. The research uses this genome sequence to examine gene expression related to heat, drought, and disease stressors, paving the way for more resilient and sustainable wheat varieties.
The study will recruit 400 newborns with a wide variety of possible genetic disorders, comparing whole genome sequencing to targeted genomic sequencing for accuracy and effectiveness. The researchers aim to determine if the targeted panel can be safely integrated into newborn care, eliminating ethical dilemmas and saving healthcare costs.
The fox genome study identifies genomic regions associated with tame and aggressive behaviors, revealing potential links to domestication in dogs and Williams-Beuren syndrome in humans. A single gene, SorCS1, is found to be linked to specific behaviors in foxes.
Scientists found that an ancient and unrelated endogenous retroviral element is inserting itself into the new retrovirus via recombination, deactivating it. This process may be a molecular defense mechanism of hosts against new retroviral attacks.
Researchers assembled a high-quality soybean genome from an Asian accession, revealing large genetic variations and improving functional genomics study. The new genome enables the identification of important agronomic genes and facilitation of crop improvement.
A team of researchers has discovered a new species of Placozoa, a phylum of simple multicellular animals, by analyzing its genetic makeup. The study, published in PLOS Biology, used taxogenomics to describe the new species, which was previously thought to be a single species, Trichoplax adhaerens.
Researchers have sequenced the first complete mitochondrial genome of Anopheles funestus, a major malaria vector in sub-Saharan Africa. The study reveals significant genetic diversity and ancient lineage differences that could inform new strategies to prevent malaria transmission.
An international collaboration sequenced and analyzed the genome of Chara braunii, a freshwater green alga closely related to land plants. The study identified key genes that originated in a common ancestor shared by Chara and land plants, revealing that some important plant functions evolved before land plants existed.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of a tiny fern species, Azolla filiculoides, which has been found to have significant environmental applications. The fern's unique gene provides insect resistance and can be used as a sustainable fertilizer, while its symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria allows for nitrogen fixation.
Scientists sequenced the dodder genome, shedding light on the evolution of plant parasitism. The study found significant gene losses, including those related to photosynthesis and flowering time control, which underlie the parasite's unique body plan.
Researchers have sequenced the koala genome, uncovering unique features of its taste receptor genes and enabling it to detect toxicity levels in eucalyptus leaves. This adaptation allows koalas to optimize nutrient ingestion while avoiding toxic metabolites.
The study found that goat domestication was a complex process with genetic exchange between wild and domesticated goats, selection by early farmers, and a mix of different ancestral strands. The analysis revealed distinct patterns of genetic differentiation across the Fertile Crescent and surrounding regions.
Researchers sequenced the first fern genome, enabling insights into land plant evolution and cyanobacterial symbioses. The study revealed genes specific to Azolla's interaction with Nostoc, a cyanobiont, and an important insecticidal gene that provides protection against insect pests.
The University of California, Davis, is leading a $2.5 million USDA-funded project to develop a cow genomics program. This initiative aims to unlock the secrets of the bovine genome, enabling more efficient genetic selection for improved growth and disease resistance in cattle.
Researchers have found a new lineage of giant pandas in ancient DNA from a 22,000-year-old specimen. The findings suggest that the ancient panda separated from present-day pandas 144,000 to 227,000 years ago, indicating a distinct group not found today.
Researchers used whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing to detect genetic causes of neonatal death in unexplained cases. The study found a genetic cause in 23% of prospective cohort samples and strong candidates in 18% of retrospective cohort samples.
A large-scale study reveals an abundant and widely distributed suite of non-photosynthetic bacterial populations responsible for fixing nitrogen in the surface ocean. The research, published in Nature Microbiology, provides the first genomic evidence of non-photosynthetic bacteria with nitrogen fixation capabilities.
A study by deCODE Genetics reveals that most Icelanders have unmixed Norse or Gaelic ancestry, with a shift towards Norse dominance over time. The research also shows genetic divergence from ancestral populations in Scandinavia and the British-Irish Isles.
A new study reveals that Zika virus was introduced to Mexico earlier than previously thought, with evidence of two annual outbreaks across multiple regions. The research also highlights the need for better data collection to track future epidemics of mosquito-borne diseases.
Researchers sequenced bittersweet plastid genome to correct errors in genetic databases, placing it as a model for nightshade chloroplast comparative genomics. The study also presented a new hypothesis of the ancestral genome, showing structural re-arrangements coinciding with bigger evolutionary changes.
A comprehensive genomic database for fishes has resolved evolutionary relationships among 131 species, including tuna and seahorses, and identified genetic markers to track divergence through time.
A new virus has been discovered in the waters of Oahu, Hawaii, which infects common marine algae and contains the largest genome ever sequenced for a viral infection. The virus, named TetV-1, appears to have picked up genes from its host, allowing it to survive in low-oxygen conditions.
Scientists have confirmed the existence of a new cryptic amphipod species, Epimeria frankei, in the North Sea. The discovery was made possible by analyzing DNA barcodes and genomic information, which revealed subtle differences between two previously thought to be one species.
The study found that the Tsimshian population's genetic diversity recovered after a collapse, with intermarriage increasing genetic diversity in some individuals. This contradicts previous notions of Native American populations expanding until European colonization.
Researchers studying social defeat in broad-horned flour beetles may uncover insights into combat-induced PTSD. A UTA graduate student hopes her research could shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind changes in behavior, potentially leading to new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorders.
Researchers at Osaka University identified unique genetic traits that evolved rapidly in Japanese populations over the last few thousand years. The study found evolutionary changes related to alcohol metabolism, glucose, and lipid processing.
A new study casts doubt on a leading theory for bdelloid rotifers' evolution, suggesting DNA repair following desiccation may not be key to their success. The researchers found no evidence of the predicted differences between species that can and cannot survive desiccation.
Researchers in China have engineered a Chinese shrub to produce high levels of artemisinin, a potent antimalarial compound. The study's findings provide new insights into the metabolic pathway involved in artemisinin biosynthesis and offer a potential solution to address global malaria-related deaths.
The Earth BioGenome Project is a 10-year scientific grand challenge to document life on Earth. The project's challenges include international coordination and governance, economic benefits, and biodiversity conservation.
New sequencing technologies and image analysis techniques enable novel solutions to phylogenetics challenges, providing insights into plant genomes and evolution. The special issue highlights cutting-edge approaches for exploring the plant family tree.
Researchers discovered that sweet potatoes originated over 800,000 years ago in the Americas, challenging the long-held theory of pre-Columbian contacts between Polynesia and the American continent. The findings suggest that humans did not introduce sweet potatoes to Polynesia but rather allowed them to cross the ocean naturally.
Researchers found that satellite DNA, once thought to be 'junk,' is essential for holding the genome together and ensuring cell survival. This conserved function is critical for chromosomes to bundle correctly inside the nucleus.
Scientists successfully assembled and annotated the genome of California Yellowtail fish, a high-value species in the sashimi industry. The study improves understanding of sex determination and provides insights into developing more palatable farmed fish and optimizing aquaculture practices.
Researchers aim to develop an optimized cell-free platform to speed up synthetic biology design-build-test-analyze cycles, enabling faster characterization of novel and improved pathways. The proposed technology leverages advances in DNA synthesis, cell-free biosynthesis capabilities, and genome engineering tools.
The genome sequencing of the Atacama skeleton has uncovered novel mutations linked to dysplasia, highlighting the need for improved guidelines in publishing historical and ancient DNA samples. The study's publication in Genome Research has raised concerns about ethical standards and prompted discussions on journal policies.
The MedSeq Project analyzed costs six months after genetic information was returned to physicians and their patients. Sequencing did identify health-relevant genetic information, but downstream costs were similar between sequenced and unsequenced patients.
A new study reveals that pups with less maternal care have more repeated genetic sequences in their neurons. The researchers found a link between maternal care and transposon replication in the hippocampus, but not in other brain regions or organs.
A 6-inch human skeleton discovered in Chile had high-quality DNA suitable for modern sequencing technology, revealing insights into its ancestry and phenotype. Multiple genetic mutations linked to diseases such as dwarfism and musculoskeletal abnormalities were found.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of 57 platypuses across Eastern Australia and Tasmania, establishing a family history and kinship in unprecedented detail. The study provides insights into population structure, diversity, and evolutionary forces at work, shedding light on the conservation challenges facing this unique species.
The Hispaniolan solenodon's genome sequence reveals it survived the dinosaurs and provides crucial insights for conservation. The data supports subspecies split within the population, requiring independent breeding strategies to ensure their survival.
The study provides a comprehensive genomic portrait of elephants, including extinct mammoths and mastodons. Gene flow between species was more common than previously thought, contradicting simple tree-like relationships.
A genomic survey of living and extinct elephants reveals recurring genetic admixture, suggesting a more complex evolutionary history. The study confirms the distinctness of African savanna and forest elephants, while also uncovering signs of admixture among other elephant family members.
An ASU study has shed light on the biodiversity of anole lizard family trees by comparing their genomes with those of other animals. The research found that genes involved in interbrain development, color vision, and hormones may contribute to species boundaries.
A new study has found that Przewalski's horses are not the last wild horse species, but rather feral, descended from the earliest-known instance of horse domestication by the Botai people in northern Kazakhstan. The research also reveals that modern domesticated horses did not descend from these early domesticated horses.
A study of 20 ancient horses found they are direct ancestors of Przewalski's horses, contrary to previous thought. Their return to a wild state led to changes such as the loss of leopard spotting and night blindness.
Researchers sequenced an ancient Taino individual's genome, finding a strong genetic connection to present-day Arawakan speakers from northern South America. The study suggests the Taino people originated from this ancestral population, illuminating early Caribbean peopling and European colonization impacts.