Research reading and comparing genomes. Covers disease redefinition, pangenome-guided breeding, crop pathogens, and reference genomes for neuroscience.
Scientists at Kyoto University have sequenced the buckwheat genome, identifying genes that could improve cultivation and taste. The team found genes related to 'mochi-ness', which give foods a soft, chewy texture, and those that synthesize proanthocyanidins, making buckwheat darker in color.
MeCP2 binds genome-wide using DNA sequence features, revealing diverse modes of binding largely independent of methylation status. Local MeCP2 activities explain gene expression patterns in neurons.
Researchers sequenced Zika virus genomes from Brazil to estimate a single entry point into the Americas, likely between May and December 2013. This timing correlates with major cultural events and increased air travel from Zika-endemic regions.
Researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of Zika viruses in Brazil, finding a single introduction date of May-December 2013. The study suggests a correlation between Zika virus and microcephaly cases, but more research is needed to establish causation.
Researchers aim to collect and analyze 100,000 TB samples to create a database of MDR-TB genes, enabling faster diagnosis using whole genome sequencing. The project, CRyPTIC, will take around five years to complete and could potentially save lives by providing the right treatment.
Researchers at Stowers Institute have mapped where genetic recombination occurs in fruit flies, providing insights into understanding chromosomes and inheritance mechanisms. The study reveals separate mechanisms for crossovers and non-crossovers, with varying distributions and rules for each chromosome arm.
Researchers have created a robust method for comparing metagenome-coupled DNA sequences from all organisms in a sample, allowing for more effective and quick comparison of samples. This approach, based on k-mer frequencies, can detect previously unknown segments of DNA and improve the analysis of intestinal bacteria.
A study published in Genome Biology and Evolution sequenced the genome of Metaseiulus occidentalis, a predatory mite widely used to control plant pests. The research revealed completely atomized Hox genes and superdynamic intron evolution, highlighting the unique biology of this agriculturally important predator.
Researchers uncovered a group of retroviruses called ERV-Fc that affected 28 out of 50 modern mammal ancestors, spreading across every continent except Antarctica and Australia. The study also reveals patterns of evolutionary change and gene exchange between these viruses and other pathogens.
Researchers at TSRI successfully sequenced individual neuron genomes and produced live mice carrying neuronal genomes in all of their cells. They found that each neuron contained an average of more than 100 mutations and accumulated more mutations in genes used frequently.
A new software called EaSeq enables biomedical researchers to study and test hypotheses using their own data in a matter of hours. This analytical tool improves the analysis of ChIP sequencing data, which holds potential for clinical applications.
An Ibero-American team has sequenced the Mesoamerican common bean genome, which will aid in improving production and conserving genetic varieties. The discovery has significant implications for agriculture, as it will help identify genes involved in disease resistance, drought tolerance, and seed quality.
Scientists discovered that a wild plant from Bolivia is almost identical to the cultivated peanut species, dating back over 10,000 years. The hybridization of two wild species led to the formation of today's crop plant, with the new genome sequences providing access to 96% of all peanut genes.
Researchers confirm shelled mammal as armadillo's ancestor, revealing recent ancestral connections that have long fascinated biologists. The study sheds light on the glyptodont's place within the Xenarthra group and its extinction during the Ice Age.
An international team discovered how microorganisms, the Hadesarchaea, survive without oxygen and light, using carbon monoxide to gain energy. This finding expands our understanding of archaea that thrive in deep biosphere environments.
Dr. Eric S. Lander is awarded the 2015 Philip Hauge Abelson Prize for his contributions to genetics, molecular biology, and mathematics. He has made significant advancements in human genome sequencing and interpretation, which have transformed biological research.
Researchers discovered that Dark-fly has a competitive advantage in reproduction over its wild-type counterpart when bred in the dark. The team sequenced the genome of Dark-fly and identified 28 genetic regions responsible for its unique adaptations, including genes involved in pheromone synthesis and circadian rhythms.
Researchers at IBS created multiplex Digenome-seq to detect errors in CRISPR-Cas9 processes. The tool uses cell-free genomic DNA and sgRNA to identify on- and off-target sites, providing precise analysis results.
Researchers developed a portable DNA sequencing system to monitor outbreaks, generating sequencing information in under an hour and providing crucial clues to epidemiologists. This technology has vast applications, including cancer research, and can impact response efforts during epidemics.
The seagrass genome has been sequenced, revealing evolutionary changes that enabled plants to thrive in the marine environment. The findings have significant implications for food security, climate change, and marine conservation.
The bed bug's genome has been sequenced, offering insights into its unique biology and potential targets for controlling its resurgence. The study found that bed bugs have evolved multiple ways to resist insecticides, including barriers and detoxification genes.
Researchers sequenced a seagrass genome, revealing genes that enable plants to adapt to saline environments. The study provides insights into salt tolerance and could inform crop breeding to improve resilience in the face of climate change.
The San Diego Zoo Global has fully sequenced the 'Alalā, or Hawaiian crow's genome, which will help track genetic challenges in a species reduced to 20 birds. The sequencing is crucial for understanding how to reintroduce the species into prepared habitat on the island of Hawaii.
The great tit's reference genome shows epigenetic processes influencing learning and cognitive processes, with conserved patterns found in humans and other mammals. The study suggests a correlation between methylation levels and molecular evolution rate.
The GenomeSpace platform enables biologist-friendly genomic data analysis by connecting over 20 bioinformatics software packages. It provides 'recipes' - step-by-step workflows - to help non-programming researchers interpret their genomic data, including tools for gene expression and protein interaction analysis.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have made a major improvement in CRISPR-Cas9 technology, achieving an unprecedented success rate of 60% when replacing short stretches of DNA with normal sequences. This technique is especially useful for repairing genetic mutations that cause hereditary diseases.
A new algorithm has been proposed to automatically search for genes in DNA sequences, making it more efficient and accurate. The BRAKER1 algorithm combines the advantages of existing tools and has already been downloaded by over 1500 laboratories worldwide.
Researchers found that different color patches on butterfly wings are controlled by independent genetic switches, which can be mixed and matched between species to create new patterns. This phenomenon allows butterflies to share common warning signs with predators, a form of mimicry.
Researchers at Institut Pasteur in French Guiana have sequenced the complete genome of the Zika virus, showing almost complete homology with strains responsible for the 2013-2014 Pacific epidemic. The analysis provides a major starting point for understanding how the virus behaves and shedding light on its impact.
A University of Cincinnati study using RNA-sequencing analysis on a pregnant cockroach has identified 11,000 possible genes, with unique expressed genes corresponding to each developmental stage. The research holds potential for understanding how stress during pregnancy affects both mother and offspring in mammals.
Scientists at the University of Minnesota and BioNano Genomics have developed a new method to analyze DNA sequences in nanochannels, enabling more accurate genome mapping. By analyzing the probability distributions of DNA barcode label separations, researchers can identify structural oddities and improve the accuracy of genome maps.
A new open-source tool called NanoOK provides comprehensive alignment-based quality control and error profile analysis for the MinION platform. The tool is easily extensible through a Java programming interface and handles metagenomic sampling gracefully.
The African cheetah's genome sequence has revealed a lack of genetic variation and unique adaptations that contribute to its incredible speed. The study has shed light on the cheetah's past and its struggles with reproductive impairments, providing valuable lessons for conservation efforts.
Researchers used genome sequencing to trace Ebola's spread in Liberia, finding that most cases were linked to a single introduction of the virus in September 2014. The study suggests that widespread migration within Liberia contributed to the outbreak's magnitude and longevity.
The red clover genome provides a valuable tool for improving the beneficial traits of this important forage crop, including its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and provide protein-rich livestock feed. The genome assembly will pave the way towards genomics-assisted breeding methods for forage legumes.
Researchers induced different head shapes in flatworms by manipulating electrical synapses, shedding light on the role of bioelectrical networks in evolution. The findings could improve understanding of birth defects and regeneration.
Researchers found that tardigrades have a massive amount of foreign DNA, with around 17.5% coming from non-tardigrade sources, primarily bacteria. This challenges conventional views on how DNA is inherited and raises new questions about the connection between foreign DNA and extreme environment survival.
Researchers have sequenced the complete genetic makeup of a type of algae called haptophytes, which are abundant in oceans and account for 30-40% of photosynthesis. The study reveals new insights into how these algal species regulate their fat content, which could help improve biofuel production, nutrition and ecology.
Researchers at the University of Kansas sequenced the genomes of microscopic parasites known as myxozoans, revealing they are highly reduced cnidarians. The findings challenge traditional definitions of an animal and could have commercial implications for aquaculture.
Researchers developed a strategy to recover plastid sequences from nuclear DNA in plants. This allows for the assembly of complete chloroplast genomes, providing valuable information about evolutionary relationships and plant processes linked to environmental changes.
Researchers sequenced the complete genome of dinoflagellate S. kawagutii, revealing surprising findings about its genetic makeup and adaptability. The study suggests that this species has evolved to cope with stress imposed by climate change and pollution, potentially holding key to understanding other dinoflagellates.
Scientists have generated genome-scale sequence information for the fathead minnow, a commonly used model organism in environmental toxicology studies. The new data will enhance the understanding of complex traits and biological pathways affected by environmental toxins.
Scientists sequenced the pineapple genome to understand its unique photosynthetic pathways, such as crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), which allows it to thrive in water-limited environments. The study also sheds light on the evolutionary history of grasses and their ability to survive drought.
Researchers have discovered highly conserved DNA sequences in non-coding regions of insect genomes, which are remarkably preserved for at least 180 million years. These findings provide new insights into the evolution of ancient animal ancestors and their influence on modern species.
A study has revealed that domesticated cattle have a more complex ancestry than previously thought, with some breeds sharing genetic similarities with ancient British aurochs. The discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary history of European cattle breeds.
Researchers have discovered two new organisms that play an unknown role in greenhouse gas emissions and consumption, belonging to a previously unexplored group called Bathyarchaeota. The discovery expands our understanding of life on Earth and suggests we are missing other organisms involved in carbon cycling and methane production.
The U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has selected 27 new projects for the 2016 Community Science Program, which aims to advance systems and ecosystems biology. The projects focus on sustainable bioenergy production, plant microbiomes, and terrestrial biogeochemistry.
A Baylor College of Medicine team has reported the first successful genome surgery, changing how the human genome is folded inside the cell nucleus. By manipulating specific DNA motifs, the team was able to destroy, move, and create new loops in the genome.
A $6.5 million USDA grant is supporting genomic-assisted breeding efforts for cucurbits, aiming to reduce disease problems in squash and melons. Researchers will use genomics techniques to identify genetic markers for disease resistance, enabling breeders to develop more robust crop varieties.
Researchers have successfully sequenced the most complicated gene known using the MinION nanopore sequencer, demonstrating a new technology that can quickly and affordably analyze complex gene expressions.
A new study by HHMI scientists found that a single neuron in an adult human brain may have more than 1,000 genetic mutations not present in surrounding cells. These mutations mostly arise while genes are in active use after brain development is complete.
Researchers have found that snakes share similar genetic patterns with mammals and birds in their limbs and genitalia, suggesting a common ancestry. The study's findings suggest that these genetic elements may play a crucial role in phallus development and genital shape variation among species.
Researchers sequenced the complete genomes of 11 Przewalski's horses, including museum specimens, and compared them to domesticated horses. The findings show that captivity led to lower genetic diversity, increased inbreeding, and gene variants from domesticated individuals.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of Macrostomum lignano, a flatworm that can regrow its body parts, to gain insights into its regenerative abilities and advance stem cell biology. The genome's complex structure holds promise for studying developmental pathways and gene expression involved in regeneration.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant regulating bone mineral density and fracture risk, which could lead to interventions that prevent fractures in older adults. The study found that the engrailed homeobox-1 gene plays a central role in regulating bone density.
Researchers have sequenced the first complete ancient genome from the Mediterranean area, shedding light on the genetic changes of Neolithic migration in Southern Europe. The study reveals a common ancestral population among Mediterranean route farmers, who had distinct physical characteristics compared to inland route farmers.
Scientists have identified a gene variant that slows Alzheimer's disease progression by preventing eotaxin levels from increasing with age. The study found that individuals carrying this variant experienced a modest delay in disease onset, suggesting a potential protective mechanism against the disease.
A new theoretical analysis by MIT researchers demonstrates how their compression techniques can expand applications of accelerated searching in biology and other fields. The algorithms cluster similar genomic sequences, then choose one representative sequence to focus on, significantly reducing the search time.
A team of researchers has sequenced nearly two-thirds of barley's genes, revealing new insights into the grain's DNA and its applications in wheat and other food sources. The advancements will aid in precision plant breeding by identifying specific markers for traits like malting quality and stem rust resistance.
Researchers develop VirSorter to identify previously unknown microbial hosts and analyze viral-host interactions, revealing a wide range of prophage-like viruses that coexist with their host microbes.