Research reading and comparing genomes. Covers disease redefinition, pangenome-guided breeding, crop pathogens, and reference genomes for neuroscience.
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.
A team of researchers has developed a new tool to identify conserved motifs in the genomes of trypanosomatids, a group of parasites that include the causing agents of leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. The tool, named LeischCICS, uses bioinformatics tools to pinpoint potentially functional and regulatory sequences.
Biobank researchers emphasize the need for defined systems to handle incidental findings and individual research results, aiming to ensure patient safety with genomic technologies
A group of specialists explored options for searching and reporting incidental genetic findings in clinical genome sequencing. The study found that while there was no perfect agreement among experts, the majority agreed that many incidental findings should be reported to clinicians. Specialists also differed on whether to disclose cert...
Researchers used whole genome sequencing to reveal that Chlamydia strains can swap DNA, making it harder to detect new strains and track re-infections. This knowledge is crucial for improving Chlamydia testing and implementing health policies to combat the spread of this common STI.
A new study in mBio reveals that microbes thriving on hot fluid methane and sulfur are replaced by those feeding on solid iron and sulfur when deep-sea vents go dormant. Researchers also explore genomic sequencing data to aid rapid detection of hospital-acquired infections caused by enterococci bacteria.
A new web-based program called Spliceman predicts whether genetic mutations will disrupt mRNA splicing, a process crucial for gene expression. The software uses research to show that many disease-causing mutations occur due to faulty splicing instructions.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that common baker's yeast has engaged in promiscuous mating in fermentation vats, leading to a genetic mash-up. This unexpected behavior affects the flavor of wine and makes tracing lineage difficult.
A team led by Rutgers University professor Debashish Bhattacharya has sequenced the genome of Cyanophora paradoxa, a one-celled alga that shed light on the evolution of photosynthesis. The study reveals that all plastids trace their origin to a single primary endosymbiosis, approximately 1.6 billion years ago.
Researchers at the University of Washington have advanced a technique called metagenomics, allowing them to single out a marine microorganism and map its genome even though it comprised only 7 percent of a water sample. The resulting genome offers hints that Euryarchaeota might serve as a cleanup crew after diatoms bloom and die.
Researchers at UCSF are sequencing the DNA of 4,000 people with various forms of epilepsy in a bid to identify the genetic causes of the disease. The study, funded by a $25-million grant, will also explore ways to treat people with epilepsy and uncover new patterns of genetics.
Researchers at UT-ORNL discovered that aquatic bacteria made the transition to land approximately 400 million years ago, rather than 2 billion years earlier. This finding has significant implications for bioenergy research, particularly in the development of cellulolytic enzymes for efficient plant growth and bioethanol production.
Whole genome sequencing technology has arrived, uncovering both useful and unwelcome medical results, including information on high-risk diseases like dementia. Regulation is crucial to ensure safe use, with a nuanced approach that balances paternalism with protection from potential harm.
The monarch butterfly's genome has been fully sequenced, offering insights into its long-distance migration. The study reveals genes responsible for vision, circadian clocks, and juvenile hormone synthesis, essential for extended lifespan and navigation.
Researchers are utilizing genomic data to create novel pest-control strategies, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and environmental pollution. The study focuses on the biology of the two-spotted spider mite, exploring its ability to develop pesticide resistance and potential applications in crop protection.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have sequenced the monarch butterfly genome, revealing an estimated 16,866 protein-coding genes involved in its seasonal migration. The study provides new insights into the genetic and regulatory elements underlying this remarkable journey.
The genome of Medicago, a legume model, reveals insights into the evolution of nitrogen-fixing symbioses that can be partly attributed to a 58 million-year-old genetic event. The study found additional genes specialized for root nodulation and interaction with symbiotic bacteria.
The US Department of Energy Joint Genome Project has selected two projects from the Danforth Plant Science Center to develop genetic resources for bioenergy grasses. The projects will focus on improving biomass production and stress tolerance in crops such as switchgrass, sorghum, and Miscanthus.
The US Forest Service's Northern Research Station is part of an international team sequencing 1,000 fungal genomes as part of the DOE's Community Sequencing Program. This project aims to create an encyclopedia of all fungi, which will help researchers understand their roles in ecosystems and develop new products.
A Tel Aviv University researcher warns that live virus polio vaccine evolution can continue to threaten global eradication efforts. The expert recommends maintaining herd immunity, environmental surveillance, and switching to inactivated vaccines.
The ICRISAT-led team has completed the genome sequence of pigeonpea, a legume crop grown by millions of poor farmers worldwide. With this breakthrough, scientists can now identify genes for drought tolerance and improve crop productivity, tackling pests and disease constraints in production.
The DOE JGI's 2012 Community Sequencing Program allocates over 30 trillion bases for researchers to study plant-microbe interactions and environmental genomics. This includes projects on rhizosphere microbial communities, Casuarina trees, and microbial communities in extreme environments.
Researchers have identified five high-priority drug targets for the parasitic disease ascariasis, caused by the giant intestinal roundworm Ascaris suum. The discovery provides new insights into treating the condition, which affects millions of people in developing countries and causes chronic effects in young children.
A consortium led by Einstein researcher Nir Barzilai aims to sequence the complete genomes of 100 healthy centenarians in 30 days. This effort, backed by a $10 million 'X Prize,' seeks to uncover genetic advantages behind exceptional longevity and develop personalized medicine strategies.
Scientists deciphered the 3D structure of Caulobacter crescentus's chromosome using high-throughput chromatin interaction detection and next-generation DNA sequencing. Analysis revealed novel characteristics of the parS site, which helps define the chromosome's shape, and showed that altering its position can lead to a large-scale reor...
Researchers have discovered a new Ebola-like virus, Lloviu, in bats from northern Spain, which is the first filovirus native to Europe. The study reveals that Lloviu may be a cause for concern as it was detected in deceased bats with signs of an immune response, but not in healthy bats.
Researchers have sequenced the DNA of a potent marijuana strain and compared it to hemp, revealing the genetic differences that lead to marijuana's psychoactive effects. The study found that domestication and breeding of marijuana strains resulted in the loss of an enzyme responsible for producing non-psychoactive compounds.
Researchers sequenced Hemp (Cannabis sativa) genome, revealing the genetic changes that led to marijuana's psychoactive properties. The study suggests domestication and breeding of marijuana strains resulted in the loss of an enzyme competing with THCA production.
The BLUEPRINT epigenome project aims to generate reference epigenomes and study them to advance knowledge of biological processes and mechanisms. Genomatix will provide data analysis and visualization interfaces as part of the $41 million European-funded consortium.
A global team has sequenced the complete genome of the naked mole rat, a long-lived rodent that lives up to 31 years in captivity. The study reveals genetic secrets behind its extraordinary longevity, cancer resistance, and ability to survive in low-oxygen environments.
Researchers have solved the molecular mechanism of anammox, a crucial pathway in the nitrogen cycle that converts ammonia to nitrogen without oxygen. The study reveals the role of hydrazine and nitric oxide as intermediates, shedding light on how this process occurs.
Researchers at LSU and partners aim to sequence the genome of Atlantic killifish to discover genes supporting its high tolerance to pollutants. The study could advance understanding of genetic determinants of health and disease for both wild species and humans.
The African Orphan Crops consortium will work with African scientists to identify and breed nutrient-rich food crops, addressing malnutrition and food shortages. The $40 million initiative will also establish the African Plant Breeding Academy in Ghana, training local plant breeders to adopt advanced breeding approaches.
Researchers are sequencing the Atlantic killifish genome to understand how it tolerates pollutants and thermal extremes, providing insights into human impact on the earth and global warming. This study aims to accelerate our understanding of genetic determinants of health and disease in changing environments.
Researchers identified six critical mutations in Israeli Jewish and Palestinian Arab families using exome sequencing, revealing new insights into hereditary deafness. The study also found a specific TMC1 mutation associated with hearing loss in the Moroccan Jewish population.
A new study reveals that Przewalski's horse, an endangered species, has a much more ancient origin than previously thought, with a common ancestor dating back 160,000 years. The research also suggests that the present-day population of 2,000 individuals has a highly diverse gene pool.
A new genome sequence of Brassica rapa, a key crop for vegetable oils, has been successfully completed. This breakthrough will help breeders develop more efficient varieties of oilseed rape and other important crops, ultimately contributing to global food security.
Researchers at the University of Southampton are developing a novel device to directly sequence single DNA strands, aiming to improve genome analysis. The new method could provide faster and cheaper DNA sequencing, eliminating complex biochemical processes.
A team of researchers from Northern Arizona University and the Translational Genomics Research Institute has pinpointed the source of a devastating cholera outbreak in Haiti that killed over 6,000 people. The study used whole genome sequencing to confirm that Nepalese peacekeepers brought the disease to Haiti.
Researchers identified three periods of evolutionary innovation in gene regulation that increased in frequency during different periods in vertebrate evolution. These innovations affected genes involved in embryonic development, cell-to-cell communication, and signaling pathways.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of mealybug-dwelling bacteria, revealing a level of molecular integration between species that has never been seen. The study found that the bacteria have evolved to trade metabolites and enzymes to produce essential amino acids, with one genome shrinking to its smallest ever described size.
Researchers found that new mutations, separate from inherited mutations, significantly contribute to the occurrence of schizophrenia. This discovery highlights the significance of personal genome sequencing in understanding complex diseases like schizophrenia.
The largest-ever map of plant protein interactions has been created, covering 6,205 interactions involving 2,774 individual proteins in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The new network map provides insights into protein functions and compositions, and may help advance efforts to improve crop plants.
Elsevier's Genome Viewer provides interactive gene sequence information from NCBI's databases, allowing readers to hover over genes for specific details and download complete lists of genes and genomes. The tool enhances the reading experience for both authors and readers, enriching article content and improving presentation.
Researchers have developed a method to dissect the genomes of polyploid crops like oilseed rape and bread wheat, allowing for predictive breeding. By integrating sequence data from different sources, they created genetic linkage maps that can identify useful genes and accelerate breeding in new traits.
An international team of scientists used single molecule, real-time DNA sequencing technology to analyze the pathogenicity and evolutionary origins of the highly virulent German E. coli outbreak strain. The results provide the most detailed genetic profile to date, highlighting the importance of DNA sequencing in understanding how bact...
A team of researchers led by Dr. David Rasko analyzed the genomic data of the German E. coli outbreak strain, revealing it was a unique combination of enteroaggregative and enterohemorrhagic E. coli subtypes. The analysis provided critical information for treating infected patients and tracing the source of the pathogen.
A team of scientists used BGI's rapid, bench-top DNA sequencing technology to analyze the deadly E. coli O104:H4 outbreak in Germany, revealing a new model of international collaboration for infectious disease control. The study found that genome sequencing provides the foundation to identify and characterize novel pathogens.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison identified a new gene, CtAKR, that improves yeast's ability to consume xylose, a key sugar found in plant biomass. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of renewable fuels from biomass crops.
Researchers at BGI developed a novel pipeline to detect structural variations (SVs) in whole genome assembly, identifying 277,243 SVs with high accuracy and precision. The study demonstrates the potential of de novo assembly for creating comprehensive SV maps.
Scientists have determined the 3D structure of a key cellular component using a heat-loving fungus. By analyzing the genome and proteome of Chaetomium thermophilum, researchers were able to identify the proteins that make up the innermost ring of the nuclear pore, a channel that controls what enters and exits a cell's nucleus.
Researchers in Germany sequenced and analyzed a draft genome sequence of an E. coli O104:H4 strain from the 2011 outbreak, identifying a new progenitor strain. The study's rapid sequencing technique has immediate implications for surveillance, diagnostics, and future therapies.
The study of brown rot fungus Serpula lacrymans' genome reveals new insights into cellulose breakdown and its role in the global carbon cycle. The findings have significant implications for biofuel production and could lead to more efficient processes.
Scientists have created a new map of the potato genome that could improve crop yields and nutritional content. The study's findings suggest that breeding potatoes with improved genes could help feed a growing global population.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers has discovered a genetic risk factor for sudden cardiac death, specifically a DNA sequence called the BAZ2B locus. Having one copy of this variant increases the risk of SCD by double that of someone without it, while having two copies nearly quadruples the risk.
A team of international researchers has successfully sequenced the potato genome, revealing secrets of its tuber and potential for improvement. The study aims to accelerate efforts in improving potato varieties with desirable traits such as quality, yield, drought tolerance, and disease resistance.
Researchers from Virginia Tech and the Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium successfully sequenced the genome of a diploid potato variety, revealing approximately 39,000 protein coding genes. The study provides insights into the evolution of the potato tuber and its genetic variation.
The Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium completed the genome sequence and analysis of the potato, revealing new insights into its evolutionary history and potential mechanisms for tuber initiation and development. BGI's bioinformatics expertise facilitated the annotation of 39,031 protein-coding genes.
The UW-Madison team's expertise in cytogenetics helped analyze the potato genome's 12 chromosomes, revealing unique physical characteristics. This information is expected to speed up breeding projects and improve potato varieties globally.
A type of Archaea, Methanosprillum hungatei, has been found to contain highly efficient energy-storage structures that can store 100-fold more energy than the entire cell. These granules could potentially be used as a chemical battery for engineered synthetic cells.