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Retracing early cultivation steps: Lessons from comparing citrus genomes

Researchers have analyzed and compared the genomes of ten diverse citrus varieties, revealing that they originated from two wild citrus species diverged in Southeast Asia over five million years ago. The study provides valuable insights into disease resistance and breeding strategies for improving citrus yields.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 8, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

More than just a hill of beans: Phaseolus genome lends insights into nitrogen fixation

The Phaseolus genome study provides valuable information on the genetic basis of nitrogen fixation in common beans, a crucial legume for agricultural sustainability. The research identified dense clusters of genes related to disease resistance and nitrogen metabolism, offering potential targets for future crop improvement efforts.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 8, 2014

What's in the sheep genome? Wool see

The completed sheep genome sequencing has led to an advanced understanding of genes involved in making sheep unique. The study identified a new pathway for lipid metabolism in sheep skin, which may play a role in wool development and efficient grease production.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateJun 5, 2014

3,000 rice genome sequences made publicly available on World Hunger Day

The 3000 Rice Genomes Project provides a massive rice genomic sequence resource for worldwide use, quadrupling the current amount of publicly available rice sequence data. This will aid in improving crop yield, reducing environmental impact, and developing food crops suitable for stressed environments.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateMay 28, 2014

Stem-cell research: A new genetic switching element

A team of scientists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München has identified a new genetic switching element responsible for converting pluripotent stem cells into differentiated cell types. The discovery reveals that specific proteins recognize hydroxymethyluracil, a modified DNA base, to regulate gene activity in stem cells.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 22, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Researchers sequence genome of primitive termite

The study sequenced the genome of a dampwood termite, highlighting key differences and similarities with other social insects. The findings provide insight into how social insects evolved and could lead to new baits for controlling termites.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2014

Caught in the act: Study probes evolution of California insect

A first-of-its-kind study found parallel genomic changes during species formation of a Southern California stick insect, suggesting a repeatable process. The research revealed regions of the genome that exhibited significant differences between populations from different host plants.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateMay 15, 2014

Polar bear genome reveals rapid adaptation to fatty diet

A recent genome study has found that polar bears rapidly evolved the ability to consume a fatty diet without developing heart disease due to mutations in cardiovascular function genes. The study also reveals that polar bears diverged from brown bears less than 500,000 years ago.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 8, 2014

Mapping the spider genome

Researchers at Aarhus University have sequenced the spider genome, providing a genetic map for future studies. The study reveals genes specific to spiders and sheds light on their incredible abilities, such as making silk and producing venom.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Simple sequence repeats for population-level studies of pines

A new method for genotyping pine species has been developed using simple sequence repeats, allowing for efficient and cost-effective population-level studies. The technique was tested on over 900 individuals across 100 species, revealing six markers that are particularly useful for understanding genetic structure within ponderosa pine.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateApr 30, 2014

Tsetse fly genetic code sequenced

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have successfully sequenced the genetic code of the tsetse fly, a major breakthrough in disease control. The genetic information will enable researchers to develop alternative strategies to control sleeping sickness, a fatal disease that kills over 250,000 people each year.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScience·DateApr 25, 2014

Researchers at LSTM part of the international team to sequence the tsetse genome

A team of international researchers, including LSTM scientists, has sequenced the genome of the tsetse fly, a key vector for African trypanosomiasis. The study provides valuable insights into tsetse biology and may lead to more effective control strategies, ultimately reducing the human cost and economic losses due to the disease.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalScience·DateApr 25, 2014

The blood preserved in the pumpkin did not belong to Louis XVI

A recent study published in Scientific Reports analyzed the DNA recovered from a relic attributed to Louis XVI and found it did not match his expected genetic profile. The analysis revealed a clear French and Italian component, contradicting historical accounts of Louis XVI's physical appearance.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 24, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Genome yields insights into golden eagle vision, smell

The golden eagle genome sheds light on the species' vision, suggesting that ultraviolet light is not as sensitive as previously thought. The study also reveals a sharper sense of smell than initially believed, which could aid in tracking populations and monitoring mortality.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 24, 2014

Genetic code of the deadly tsetse fly unraveled

Researchers have sequenced the tsetse fly's genome, providing insights into its biology and potentially leading to new ways to prevent trypanosomiasis. The study's findings could also help develop environmentally-safe insecticides targeting the fly's neuropeptide systems.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2014

Getting at the root of the mountain pine beetle's rapid habitat expansion and forest

Researchers analyzed the mountain pine beetle's genome and identified potential genetic markers that enable its rapid habitat range expansion. The study found that the beetles can adjust their cellular functions to withstand cooler climates, facilitating a larger geographic dispersal area.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 22, 2014

Researcher looks at public perceptions around newborn testing

A study by Dr. Yvonne Bombard explores the public's perception on newborn testing, revealing concerns about freedom of choice and the danger of over-diagnosis with whole-genome sequencing. The research highlights the need for a balanced approach to screening programs that prioritize both benefits and potential harms.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 17, 2014

New tool advances investigations of disease outbreaks

A new computational tool in Molecular Biology and Evolution helps public health officials investigate disease outbreaks by analyzing genomic data, correctly inferring source cases and transmission clusters. The tool complements traditional epidemiology methods, providing valuable insights into outbreak dynamics.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 15, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Study finds new links between number of duplicated genes and adaptation

Scientists have discovered a correlation between the number of duplicated genes and a species' ability to adapt to novel environments. Higher numbers of these 'small-scale duplication genes' are associated with better adaptation, while lower numbers may hinder species survival.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 15, 2014

DNA data could help doctors treat MRSA shows new study

A new technique predicts MRSA toxicity from its genome sequence, allowing clinicians to personalize treatment for individual infections. The study identified 125 genetic mutations associated with high or low toxicity, enabling the prediction of severe disease.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 9, 2014

Genome sequencing of MRSA infection predicts disease severity

A study used genome sequencing to predict which MRSA isolates were highly toxic, allowing for personalized treatment. Researchers identified over 100 genetic loci associated with toxicity and found that highly toxic isolates shared a common signature, enabling prediction of disease severity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 9, 2014
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

First peanut genome sequenced

The International Peanut Genome Initiative has successfully sequenced the peanut's genome, providing researchers with access to 96% of all peanut genes. This breakthrough will enable the development of drought- and disease-resistant, lower-input, and higher-yielding peanut varieties.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateApr 2, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Testis size matters for genome evolution

Correlation discovered between molecular evolutionary rates and testes weights, suggesting sperm competition fuels genetic variation. Testis size may be key factor in determining genome evolution rates among primate species.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 5, 2014

A single gene, doublesex, controls wing mimicry in butterflies

A single gene, doublesex, regulates complex wing patterns and structures required for mimicry in swallowtail butterflies. This study reveals that the gene's known role in sexual differentiation has been co-opted to control wing pattern.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Pond-dwelling powerhouse's genome points to its biofuel potential

The duckweed genome reveals its potential as a biofuel source, with the smallest known plant genome containing fewer than 20,000 protein-encoding genes. This reduced gene count leads to unique characteristics such as neoteny and arrested development.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2014

U-M scientists & colleagues investigate the fiber of our being

Researchers at U-M Medical School and institutions worldwide investigate the fiber of our being, discovering how one group of gut bacteria digests complex sugars. Their findings shed light on the science of human nutrition and have implications for commerce and industry.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2014

RNA sequencing of 750-year-old barley virus sheds new light on the Crusades

Researchers at the University of Warwick have detected and sequenced an ancient RNA genome of Barley Stripe Mosaic Virus in a 750-year-old barley grain found in modern-day Egypt. The study pushes back the origin of the virus to at least 2,000 years and reveals how intense farming during the Crusades contributed to its spread.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Science teaching goes viral

A new alternative approach to traditional introductory laboratory courses significantly increases student retention rates. Research published in mBio found that SEA-PHAGES students continued on to their second year at over 90% higher rates than other groups.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateFeb 4, 2014

Puzzling question in bacterial immune system answered

Researchers have determined how Cas9, a bacterial enzyme, identifies and degrades foreign DNA during viral infections and induces site-specific genetic changes. The presence of short DNA sequences known as PAM is critical to the ability of Cas9 to target and cleave DNA sequences.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2014

New sequencing tools give up close look at yeast evolution

Researchers sequenced genomes of 42 yeast strains, revealing more variation in S. cerevisiae than its wild relative, S. paradoxus. Subtelomeric regions harbor genome variation contributing to differences in traits between strains.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 21, 2014
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Genomes of modern dogs and wolves provide new insights on domestication

The study sheds light on the genetic overlap between modern dogs and wolves, suggesting interbreeding after dog domestication. Dogs are more closely related to each other than wolves, regardless of geographic origin, indicating a shared ancestry that diverged in recent past.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 16, 2014

Non-coding DNA implicated in type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that variations in non-coding DNA sequences influence insulin-producing cell behavior in people with type 2 diabetes. Genome sequences controlling gene activity were identified, and genetic variants associated with diabetes risk were also linked to these clusters.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 12, 2014

Big data: A method for obtaining large, phylogenomic data sets

Researchers have developed a new approach using long-range PCR and next-generation sequencing to obtain large phylogenomic data sets, increasing accuracy in reconstructing evolutionary history. This method allows for the amplification of larger DNA fragments, enabling the targeting of specific genomic regions.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJan 9, 2014
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A gluttonous plant reveals how its cellular power plant devours foreign DNA

Researchers have discovered that the mitochondria of Amborella trichopoda, a sprawling shrub in the remote South Pacific, have acquired six genome equivalents of foreign DNA. The plant's energy-producing organelles absorbed genes from moss, green algae and flowering plants, creating an enormous mitochondrial genome.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 20, 2013
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Fruit pest targeted by genomic research

Scientists have sequenced the genome of the spotted wing drosophila, a major pest affecting blueberries, cherries, and other fruits. The publicly accessible SpottedWingFlyBase Web portal provides valuable data for researchers to develop more effective monitoring and control strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateDec 3, 2013

LSTM researchers among first to sequence snake genome

Researchers from LSTM and international biologists sequenced the king cobra genome, showing dynamic evolution and adaptation in its venom system. The study reveals rapid expansion of gene families that produce venom toxins, providing snakes with a highly toxic protein mixture.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2013

Burmese python genome reveals extreme adaptation

The Burmese python genome study found large numbers of rapidly evolved genes linked to extreme characteristics such as rapid increases in metabolism and organ growth after feeding. The researchers discovered that snakes have undergone incredible changes at all levels of their biology, including physiological and molecular changes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2013

Secrets to 'extreme adaptation' found in Burmese python genome

Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the Burmese python genome, revealing genes that enable extreme feats of organ remodeling and digestion. The study sheds light on the evolutionary biology of snakes and may hold vital clues for treating human diseases such as metabolic disorders and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2013

How scavenging fungi became a plant's best friend

The analysis of Rhizophagus irregularis genome reveals its unique ability to capture phosphorus and communicate with plants through cell-to-cell signaling. The fungus has retained much of its metabolic machinery, unlike many other obligate parasitic organisms.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Ancient Siberian genome reveals genetic origins of Native-Americans

A 24,000-year-old Siberian individual's genome shows close affinity to modern Native Americans and west Eurasians, contradicting the traditional East Asian origin story. This finding indicates two distinct Old World populations contributed to the formation of the First American gene pool.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2013

New models predict where E. coli strains will thrive

Researchers used genomic sequences to reconstruct metabolic repertoire for each strain, predicting its environmental niche. The analysis could help develop ways to control deadly E. coli infections and identify new strains.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2013

UNH, UC Davis launch network to study environmental microbes

The research aims to identify and classify microscopic eukaryote species using new genome sequencing technology, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the vital environmental functions they play. The network will bring together researchers from different fields to study global patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem function.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateNov 7, 2013
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Network to study environmental microbes

A new research coordination network is working to study eukaryotic biodiversity using high-throughput DNA sequencing technology. Researchers will focus on microscopic organisms playing vital roles in ecosystems, such as breaking down organic matter and turning over soil nutrients.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateNov 6, 2013

Expanding research communities and collaborations

The DOE JGI 2014 Community Science Program portfolio explores functional information from complex ecosystems, addressing energy and environmental challenges. The inaugural round of eight accepted proposals focus on carbon cycling and biofuels production.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·DateOct 29, 2013

Surprises discovered in decoded kiwifruit genome

The decoded kiwifruit genome shows significant genetic similarities with other plant species like potatoes and tomatoes, highlighting two major evolutionary events that occurred millions of years ago. The study provides valuable resources for kiwifruit research and breeding programs to improve fruit quality and disease resistance.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2013

The role of 'master regulators' in gene mutations and disease

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine developed a new approach to understand how master regulators read the genome and turn genes on and off. By analyzing DNA sequence differences affecting these proteins, they found that mutations impact neighboring transcription factors needed to make functional enhancers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Gene movements observed in vivo

A new method called TGV (TALE-mediated Genome Visualization) allows researchers to observe the localization of specific DNA sequences inside the nucleus of living cells. This study tracked male and female genes after fertilization, revealing new prospects for understanding cell cycle dynamics, DNA behavior, and parent gene expression.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 10, 2013