Articles tagged with Genome Sequencing
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.
The octopus genome contains widespread rearrangements of genes and a dramatic expansion of genes involved in neuronal development. The research also found novel genes that may be responsible for the creature's unique camouflage abilities.
Researchers from OIST, University of Chicago, and UC Berkeley sequence and analyze the first cephalopod genome, unlocking secrets of octopus's intelligent behavior and extraordinary features. The study sheds light on the evolution of cephalopods and their brain development, potentially inspiring robots that can explore the ocean floor.
Researchers found that the evolutionary loss of the worker caste in ants is not accompanied by a loss of genes. Instead, most genes are expressed in both queens and workers, but often at different points in development. Regulatory changes may have facilitated the evolution of sociality.
Researchers define the core set of genes and functions that a bacterial cell needs to sustain life, providing a foundation for new cell engineering approaches. The study identifies 356 essential genes across various microorganisms, enabling the rapid construction of genome-scale cellular growth models.
A study of ancient and modern genomes clarifies the history of Native American migration to the Americas, tracing their ancestry back to a single late Pleistocene event. Genetic analysis reveals two distinct populations: Athabascans and northern Amerindians, diverging from shared ancestors at around 23,000 years ago.
A new library construction method allows simultaneous generation of up to 12 size-selected long mate pair libraries with reduced DNA input, time, and cost. This approach improves the likelihood of achieving high-quality genome assemblies, particularly for complex genomes.
The kiwi bird's genomic changes help explain its unique characteristics, such as eliminated color vision and a highly developed sense of smell. Research identified evolutionary changes in the genome that underpin the bird's adaptations to nocturnality, with potential implications for conservation efforts.
A new diagnostic test has been developed to quickly detect enterovirus D68, a respiratory virus that caused unusually severe illness in children last year. The test is more effective than previous methods and can be completed in just a few hours, reducing the time needed to detect the virus.
Ancient and modern genetic data reveal that Native American ancestors entered the Americas as a single wave approximately 23,000 years ago. The research also shows that ancestral Native Americans split off into two branches around 13,000 years ago, coinciding with glacier melt and the opening of routes into North America's interior.
A new genomic analysis pinpoints the arrival of the first Americans to Siberia around 23,000 years ago, with subsequent migrations leading to distinct populations in North and South America. The study also reveals genetic admixture from East Asians and Australo-Melanesians, suggesting limited isolation from the Old World.
Genome researchers should disclose misattributed parentage to parents to respect their autonomy and sense of self. The issue also explores punishing health care providers for treating terrorists, highlighting the need for moral and legal clarity in such situations.
A study on White-breasted nuthatches found that environmental factors, such as temperature and rainfall, drive genetic differences between populations, rather than geographical distance. This discovery challenges the traditional view of isolation-by-distance and provides insights into species adaptation to unique habitats.
As genome-sequencing technologies improve, the amount of genomics data is projected to grow exponentially, requiring significant advancements in computing infrastructure. Genomics data will surpass even YouTube's storage capacity, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to handle the deluge of genomic information.
Researchers used genetic sequencing to trace the 2010 measles outbreak, linking it back to two visitors who brought separate genotypes of measles to Vancouver. The D8 and H1 strains spread across the province, resulting in 82 cases of measles.
Scientists have developed a new technique to genetically engineer cells by inserting large DNA sequences at specific genomic sites. This method may be useful for producing high levels of proteins in mammalian cells.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of two extinct woolly mammoths and three modern Asian elephants, identifying genetic variants associated with traits such as hair development, fat storage, and temperature sensation. The study found that these changes likely enabled the mammoths to adapt to harsh Arctic environments.
The study identifies extensive genetic changes responsible for woolly mammoths' adaptations to arctic life, including genes linked to fat metabolism, insulin signaling, and temperature sensation. Researchers resurrected a mammoth gene involved in temperature sensation and characterized its protein product in the laboratory.
Genomics holds key to understanding ecological and evolutionary processes as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technique is underutilised in invasion biology. NGS can transform our understanding of why non-native species adapt and thrive in new environments.
A global team has sequenced over 200 Ebola virus genomes to capture the fullest picture yet of how the virus is transmitted and changes over time. The study reveals that cross-border transmission played a smaller role in the outbreak than previously thought, and that the virus has begun to weed out mutations that do not benefit it.
A team at the DOE JGI has developed ProDeGe, a computational protocol for quick and automated removal of contaminant sequences from draft genomes. The tool classifies sequences as 'clean' or 'contaminant' and runs at a rate of 0.30 CPU core hours per megabase of sequence.
Researchers found that modern toothed whales have inherited defunct copies of the Mx1 and Mx2 genes, profoundly altering their immune systems. The study aims to preserve these cetaceans as they face extensive die-offs.
A study on social amoebae reveals that genes for cooperation and cheating have reached a stalemate, with increased genetic diversity near the social genes suggesting a prolonged stalemate. The findings suggest that cheating can be successful only when it is rare, and fail when it becomes so numerous it pushes out cooperators.
A new study at Cornell University identifies a gene duplication causing cucumbers to produce only female flowers, leading to increased yields in greenhouse production. The research builds on previous work and shows that the genetic variation affects over 1,600 genes in the cucumber genome.
Researchers observed genome-editing proteins using a combination of sliding and hopping to navigate the vast genome. The discovery provides insight into how these proteins can be engineered for improved efficiency and reduced off-target binding, potentially leading to more effective gene therapies.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified the genetic blueprint of a bacteria that produces ET-743, a compound extracted from a marine invertebrate. This discovery expands understanding of the microbe and could lead to lab-grown production of the cancer-fighting drug.
A new online tool called TB-Profiler can predict genetic resistance to tuberculosis drugs in a matter of minutes, improving the likelihood of cure for patients with drug-resistant TB. The tool uses genome sequence data to analyze and interpret resistance to 11 drugs used for treatment.
A team of researchers used DNA from frozen and dried specimens to analyze a dataset of 39 genomes, defining seven new suborders and the 'trunk' of the Agaricales tree. The study provides a framework for testing hypotheses of mushroom evolution and highlights the importance of fungaria as scientific resources.
Researchers find single protein, nuclear Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (nFGFR1), orchestrates gene expression in embryo development. This discovery has potential to enhance understanding and treatment of cancers and congenital diseases.
Two bumblebee species' genomes have been sequenced, providing insights into their behavior and responses to environmental threats. The research highlights the importance of understanding bumblebee biology to address declining populations and ensure their conservation.
The study analyzed ancient mammoth genomes to understand population dynamics and genetic diversity. The results showed low genetic variation and inbreeding, indicating a small population size. The research provides insight into the woolly mammoth's evolutionary history and potential reasons for their extinction.
Researchers found a common genetic link between child prodigies and autism, specifically on chromosome 1. The study identified shared genetic markers in five prodigies and their family members with autism, suggesting a potential genetic component to exceptional abilities.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have discovered a new method to detect Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a bacterium that has contaminated oyster beds and sickened consumers in the Northeast. The detection platform uses genome sequencing and analysis to identify specific genes found only in the invasive strain.
A detailed genetic road map of Upland cotton has been created to improve crop yields, reduce water usage, and minimize pesticide applications. The new sequence will enable researchers to better understand the interactions between genes that determine fiber production and oil content in seeds.
Researchers aim to create the first complete genome sequence for dogwoods, enabling plant breeders to develop new varieties with improved traits. Citizen scientists will collect data on flowering patterns, flower color, and susceptibility to diseases.
Research suggests that inbreeding has genetically benefited mountain gorillas by eliminating deleterious variations, contributing to their survival. This discovery challenges the assumption that low genetic diversity makes these animals more susceptible to environmental changes and diseases.
Researchers analyzed whole genomes of seven mountain gorillas, revealing genetic adaptations to small populations and a surprisingly low number of harmful genetic variations. This new understanding provides valuable insight into how apes adapt genetically to living in small populations.