Research reading and comparing genomes. Covers disease redefinition, pangenome-guided breeding, crop pathogens, and reference genomes for neuroscience.
A team of genome and computer scientists developed an algorithm that can rapidly create virtual chromosomes using NGS data. The new RACA (Reference-Assisted Chromosome Assembly) algorithm performs even better with longer DNA reads, addressing the challenge of assembling complete chromosomes from short NGS fragments.
The US Department of Agriculture is working on a biocontrol method for the brown marmorated stink bug, which has caused significant damage in homes and gardens. Researchers have identified an aggregation pheromone that attracts males, females, and nymphs to feeding sites.
Scientists have identified a rare form of active 'jumping genes' in mammals, specifically in bats. This discovery opens up new avenues for studying evolution and developing tools for gene therapy.
The first high-quality reference genome of the domestic goat has been successfully assembled using OpGen's ARGUS Whole Genome Mapping System in combination with next-generation sequencing. The study demonstrates the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this technology for large, complex genomes.
A recent study published in Genome Biology analyzed Clostridium difficile genomes from 486 patients to investigate transmission. The results indicate that transmission between patients occurs at relatively low frequency, with most cases attributed to specific strains.
A study found that autism genes are more prone to mutation hotspots, contributing to disease risk. The researchers used whole-genome sequencing on monozygotic twins with autism and their parents, identifying clusters of nucleotide substitutions in specific parts of the genome.
Researchers found a significant association between regional hypermutability and autism in monozygotic twins. The study also discovered that paternal age accounts for a substantial portion of variability in mutation rates, while maternal age has no significant effect.
The DOE JGI has sequenced the simplest cotton genome, Gossypium raimondii, to improve fiber composition and increase biofuels production. This data will help researchers accelerate gene function studies, particularly cellulose biosynthesis.
The genomes of leeches, limpets and marine worms have revealed a deep connection between these diverse organisms, with similarities to humans and other animals. The analysis has also highlighted notable differences in immune systems and developmental processes.
Researchers have identified numerous new genes associated with autism spectrum disorder using high-throughput sequencing technology. This discovery confirms that the genetic origins of autism are complex and may involve hundreds of mutations.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have identified hundreds of conserved non-coding sequences in the DNA of papaya, poplar, Arabidopsis, and grape species. These sequences are believed to play a crucial role in controlling gene expression and could help scientists develop crops with specific properties, such as drought tolerance.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a new method for prioritizing genes in plant genomes, which has been shown to improve the likelihood of finding critical genes controlling traits such as drought tolerance and grain yield. By applying genetic-analysis methods used to study humans, scientists were able to identify a ...
Two tiny algae, Bigelowellia natans and Guillardia theta, have complex genomes with unique genes and alternative splicing, challenging the paradigm that complex splicing is limited to multicellular organisms. The study sheds light on photosynthesis as a dynamic property and provides insights into eukaryotic evolution.
Scientists have unlocked key components of the genetic code of bread wheat, providing a strong foundation for accelerating wheat improvement through advanced molecular breeding and genetic engineering. The analysis enables breeders to select plants with desirable combinations of genes using genetic landmarks in the wheat genome.
A novel coronavirus most closely related to viruses found in bats has been identified, prompting concern over potential human transmission. The virus is believed to have originated from an animal source, with similarities to viruses isolated from Asian and European bat species.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have sequenced the genetic code of a dwarf birch tree, a species crucial to British conservation. The decoded genome will aid in understanding disease resistance and growth shape, helping protect against the bronze birch borer pest threatening UK birch populations.
The pear genome sequence offers a valuable resource for breeding improvement and studying evolutionary history, with similarities to apple and strawberry genomes. The sequence reveals diverse genetic information, including repetitive sequences and transposable elements, shedding light on the crop's unique characteristics.
Dr. Robert Green's project to explore genome sequencing of newborns won the $100,000 BRIght Futures Prize after six weeks of public voting. The project aims to determine if DNA sequencing of newborns would be perceived as useful to new parents and integrate genomic information into medical care.
The study reveals that disparate chromosome structures, rather than separate gene adaptations, underlie the separation of the two flycatcher species. Genome sequencing and analysis identified specific regions in the chromosomes involved in meiosis and gender cell production as key to understanding species divergence.
The Association for Molecular Pathology report on next-generation sequencing technology addresses current technical, bioinformatic, and clinical implementation considerations. The report aims to improve patient care by exploring the clinical relevance and impact of NGS technologies.
A high-resolution draft of the barley genome has been published, revealing insights into its genetic makeup and potential for improvement. The sequence data will aid in breeding more resilient crops that can withstand climate change and disease, benefiting the £20 billion UK beer industry.
A University of Minnesota scientist contributed to a landmark study mapping the barley genome, providing valuable tools for improving crop yields, resistance to pests and diseases, and nutritional value. The research will accelerate breeding efforts to help barley adapt to climate change, making it more resistant to drought and efficie...
A review by Northeastern University physicist Meni Wanunu questions the feasibility of nanopore technology for fast and affordable genome sequencing. The main technical hurdles include slow process rates, protein pore limitations, spectroscopic information gaps, and clogging issues.
Researchers have identified multiple genes that contribute to soybean resistance against the soybean cyst nematode, which causes hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of damage each year. By understanding how these genes interact and regulate expression, scientists may develop new methods for engineering artificial stronger resistance.
Children's Mercy researchers developed STAT-Seq, a 50-hour whole genome sequencing approach, to diagnose critically ill infants. The technology could reduce hospitalization and costs by quickly identifying genetic diseases, with potential benefits for up to one-third of NICU patients.
Biologists at Ruhr-Universität used a combination of laser microdissection and RNA-seq to analyze gene activity in the entire genome of certain fungi. They found that gene expression differs between tissue types, with some genes active only in specific tissues.
A genomic sequencing project funded by community donations has published the first sequence of the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot. The project, led by Dr. Taras Oleksyk, covers nearly 76% of the parrot's genome and has found similarities to zebra finches and chickens.
The University of New Hampshire will receive two new instruments, a DNA sequencer and a computer cluster, to advance its genome studies and space science research. The new equipment will enable researchers to study emerging diseases, environmental changes, and space weather with greater precision.
A team of neuroscientists discovered a signature of disease that may help explain the relationship between transposons and neurodegenerative disorders. They found that TDP-43 normally functions to silence or repress potentially harmful transposons, but when its function is compromised, these elements become overexpressed.
Researchers have discovered that the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium vivax shares the same genetic variations despite being found on different continents. The sequencing of its genome could help understand how the parasite lives and causes malaria, and may lead to new treatments for drug-resistant strains.
A deadly outbreak of antibiotic-resistant bacteria at NIH's Clinical Center was quelled through collaboration with genomic experts. Genome sequencing revealed the outbreak had a single source, and targeted interventions stopped its spread.
A novel arenavirus has been identified as the possible cause of inclusion body disease in snakes, a devastating illness that spreads easily among boas and pythons in captivity. The discovery may lead to the development of diagnostic tools and treatments to eradicate the disease from snake collections worldwide.
A new study on malaria genomes reveals significant genetic diversity in Plasmodium vivax, a species of malaria that affects humans outside Africa, making it adept at evading drugs and vaccines. The research also sequenced the genome of Plasmodium cynomolgi, a close relative that infects Asian monkeys.
A team of citizen scientists, led by Dr Andy Grierson, analyzed human genome data to identify new clues on the Y chromosome, revealing a detailed family tree for Western European men. This community-led approach has the potential to facilitate rapid progress in understanding historical human migrations and paternal lineages.
A new DNA study provides clues about the species' evolution, suggesting that climate change and genetic exchange with brown bears helped create the polar bear as we know it today. The research found evidence of fluctuating population sizes over the past million years, growing during cooling periods and shrinking in warmer times.
A new technique links agronomic traits in crops with active genomic regions, identifying expressed genes. This allows plant breeders to develop markers based on these genes, accelerating breeding through marker-assisted selection.
Belgian scientists have developed a simple assay to track 'superparasites', a type of Leishmania parasite that causes deadly visceral leishmaniasis. This breakthrough could help monitor the spread and emergence of these drug-resistant microbes, contributing to better control of the disease.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully sequenced a fetus's genome using only a maternal blood sample. The new approach, published in Nature, has significant implications for prenatal diagnosis and could bring genetic testing one step closer to routine clinical use.
Researchers have successfully sequenced the parrot genome using single molecule sequencing, allowing for a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms behind vocal learning. The breakthrough could lead to insights into speech development in humans and the study of cancer and brain functions.
The melon genome consists of 450 million base pairs and 27,427 genes, with seven varieties sequenced. Key findings include genes related to disease resistance and the ripening process, offering potential for improving crop yields and quality.
New research suggests that short stretches of piRNA evaluate cells' genetic history by recognizing sequences that have been expressed before. The study found that the silencing pattern is permanent and passed stably between generations, with each individual establishing its own pattern.
A study suggests that the evolution of fungi capable of breaking down lignin may have played a key role in ending coal deposits. The findings propose that this ability allowed for the complete breakdown of dead plant matter into carbon dioxide, releasing it into the atmosphere instead of accumulating as coal.
A study published in PNAS found two distinct strains of Vibrio cholerae bacteria that may have contributed to the 2010 Haitian cholera outbreak. The genomic diversity of Haitian isolates revealed significant complexity and relationship to past epidemics.
Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to distinguish between related MRSA strains, potentially shortening outbreak duration. The study identified genetic differences between strains that current methods couldn't detect.
Researchers decode Dekkera bruxellensis genome, gaining insights into its impact on wine taste. The study enables wine producers to control flavor development, leading to potential cost savings and new wine tastes.
The Tomato Genome Consortium has sequenced the genomes of domesticated tomatoes and its wild ancestor Solanum pimpinellifolium, revealing detailed insights into the plant's genetic makeup. The sequences provide a better understanding of how genetics and environmental factors interact to determine crop health and viability.
The Tomato Genome Consortium has sequenced and assembled the tomato genome, revealing two rounds of triplications that have impacted genes controlling texture, color, and maturation. This analysis provides key information for studying the evolution of this species and exploring methods to promote resistance to pests and water scarcity.
The University of Oklahoma led a US-based team in sequencing the tomato genome, revealing new insights into fruit characteristics. The achievement has significant implications for developing more desirable strains with higher yields, increased disease resistance, and improved flavor.
The tomato genome sequence provides detailed information about its genes and chromosomes, enabling researchers to improve crop yields and quality. The full genome sequence allows for faster and less expensive sequencing of other varieties, with potential applications in improving taste, nutritional content and disease resistance.
A 16th-century Korean child's mummified liver has revealed a unique hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C2 sequence common in Southeast Asia, providing insight into the virus's evolution and spread. The ancient genome is the oldest full viral genome described in scientific literature.
Scientists have determined the genetic sequences of all 12 available strains of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which acquired resistance independently after acquiring a specific transposon. The findings may lead to new ways to prevent and treat infection by MRSA, VRSA, and VRE.
Researchers from the Heliconius Genome Consortium sequenced the Postman butterfly's genome and found promiscuous sharing of large DNA regions among closely-related species. This study reveals how hybrids can introduce new genes that help populations adapt, changing our understanding of adaptation in evolution.
Scientists sequenced the Heliconius butterfly genome to understand wing pattern diversity, finding that different species copy each other's patterns by exchanging genes. This process allows hybrids to gain useful genes for adapting to changing conditions and survive.
Researchers sequenced foxtail millet's genome to guide assembly of switchgrass genome, a perennial grass with multiple chromosome copies. The compact genome offers advantages for studying adaptation and developing genetic tools.
Researchers used next-generation sequencing to identify genetic causes of developmental delays and congenital abnormalities in seven out of twelve patients. The study found that the technology can provide a diagnosis about half of the time, motivating its use for patients with unknown genetic conditions.
Researchers have announced GenomeSpace, a software environment that brings together a wide range of genomic analysis tools and data sources. The platform enables seamless transitions between tools, allowing biologists to carry out projects from start to finish without manual conversions or programming skills.
Scientists sequenced the Tasmanian tiger genome, revealing extremely low genetic variability due to geographical isolation. This limited genetic makeup makes the species highly susceptible to diseases and extinction.
Researchers identified specific genomic changes that enable fish populations to adapt to new environments, revealing the importance of regulatory changes. The study also found that large DNA inversions can lead to the formation of separate species.
The study reveals that changes to both genes and DNA stretches controlling gene activity have driven sticklebacks' adaptation to fresh water. Reused genetic regions, including armor genes and those involved in metabolism and developmental signaling, helped remodel fish into forms better suited to freshwater environments.
Researchers identified 147 genetic regions in sticklebacks that enable adaptation to marine and freshwater environments. Regulatory changes predominate, with most differences occurring in non-coding regions of the genome.