Research reading and comparing genomes. Covers disease redefinition, pangenome-guided breeding, crop pathogens, and reference genomes for neuroscience.
Researchers from UA and collaborating institutions deciphered the complete genetic code of maize, providing a comprehensive foundation to systematically study maize biology. The achievement aims to breed higher yielding, disease-resistant, and drought-tolerant cultivars.
Research published in Genome Biology found that Mexicans prioritize partners with Native American and European ancestry, while Puerto Ricans prefer those with African and European heritage. Ancestry has a stronger influence on romance than previously thought, with non-random associations of genes across generations.
A team co-led by CSHL scientists published a reference genome of maize, revealing its complex DNA sequence and 'wonderful diversity'. The 2.3 billion base-pair sequence contains over 32,500 genes and provides a detailed reference manual for annotating the genome.
Researchers at the University of Washington successfully used exome sequencing to identify a previously unknown gene responsible for Miller syndrome, a mendelian disorder. This breakthrough study demonstrates the efficiency and potential of this strategy in discovering the genetic basis of rare diseases, which could lead to new therapies.
Researchers developed a statistical technique to scan genomes for specific gene-regulatory regions without prior knowledge of transcription factors. The approach has been experimentally validated in mouse and fruit fly genomes.
Researchers develop new algorithms using petascale computers to infer ancestral genome rearrangement events, enabling faster analysis of large genomes. The new methods will help understand the mechanisms and rate of gene rearrangements in genomes.
A $1 million project aims to develop computational tools using next-generation petascale computers to analyze genome rearrangements. The team plans to test their new algorithms on a collection of fruit fly genomes, which will provide insights into the mechanisms underlying gene order diversity.
A new initiative aims to sequence the genomes of 10,000 vertebrates, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises, to gain better understanding of species diversity, evolution, and conservation. The project, called Genome 10K, has the potential to revolutionize our knowledge of cetaceans and inform effective conservation strategies.
The cucumber genome has been sequenced, offering a platform for studying the cucurbit family and plant biology. The genome will aid in understanding disease and pest-resistance, flavor traits, and sex expression, with potential applications in agriculture.
A Vanderbilt biologist is using genomic data from over two dozen yeast species to identify reliable methods for determining evolutionary relationships. The goal is to apply these principles to other clades, including mammals.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have sequenced the genome of a biofuels yeast that thrives on turning sugar cane into ethanol. The findings could lead to more efficient biofuel production and aid research into converting cellulose from non-food crops like switchgrass into biofuel.
A team of scientists, led by MSU's Robin Buell, has sequenced the potato genome, estimating it to be 840 million base pairs. The draft sequence will help breeders improve yield, quality, and disease resistance in potatoes.
A new study uses genome sequencing to profile genetic diversity among M. ulcerans isolates, showing clonal relationships but distinct single nucleotide polymorphisms. The findings suggest a focal transmission pattern for Buruli ulcer, with local genetic variants not quickly spread over long distances.
The study found that the pathogen's genome is unusually large and has a unique structure, enabling rapid evolution of genes involved in plant infection. The 'two-speed' genomic strategy allows different parts of the genome to evolve at different rates, potentially making it harder for plants to resist infection.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of Phytophthora infestans, the cause of the Irish potato famine, to aid in its control and development of chemical-free methods. The pathogen's unique genetic traits, including repetitive DNA sequences, play a key role in its virulence and adaptability.
Scientists have decoded the genome of Phytophthora infestans, the cause of late blight, which destroyed potato crops in the 19th century and is now affecting tomatoes. The genome contains a massive amount of repetitive DNA, thought to be key to its adaptability and effectiveness as a plant pathogen.
Researchers at UC Riverside will advance their work on sequencing the barley genome and breeding new barley varieties with a two-year $1 million grant. They aim to sequence all barley genes and make information available to the public, with potential benefits for farmers, markets, and consumers.
A new genomic model defines microorganisms by their dietary habits, providing a tool for tracking environmental changes. The researchers analyzed the genomes of two bacteria with distinct lifestyles and developed a predictive model that successfully identified the habitats of dozens of bacterial samples.
A study identifies three genetic variants accounting for the wide range of dog coat textures, from poodles to beagles. The findings have implications for understanding complex human diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
Researchers discovered a set of genes that respond inappropriately to amphetamine in 'drug-proof' zebrafish mutants, which do not experience the drug's pleasurable effects. This finding suggests a link between adult neurogenesis and addiction, with potential implications for understanding susceptibility.
Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered that telomeres resemble fragile sites in DNA, where replication can stall. A protein called TRF1 helps prevent this by removing unusual structures from telomeric DNA, allowing smooth progression of DNA replication.
Emory researchers are using DNA sequencing technology to study the genomics of agricultural ant societies, which could lead to breakthroughs in waste processing and agriculture. The project aims to understand how ants have evolved to process huge amounts of organic material over millions of years.
The Joint Genome Institute will sequence four species of labyrinthulomycetes, shedding light on their ecological role and potential applications. The organisms are single-celled marine decomposers that play a crucial part in the marine carbon cycle.
The DOE JGI has selected 71 new genomic sequencing projects for its 2010 Community Sequencing Program, focused on bioenergy, climate, and environmental applications. The program aims to improve the clean energy pathways and understanding of the global carbon cycle.
The updated TAIR9 genome release includes detailed information on all 33,518 genes of Arabidopsis thaliana, including 114 newly discovered genes and 168 new pseudogenes. The new features promise to accelerate research on designing new crops for food, biofuels, industrial materials, and medicines.
The completed genome sequence of Azotobacter vinelandii reveals unique features that enable the bacteria to fix nitrogen in the presence of oxygen. The research provides new prospects for the production and characterization of oxygen-sensitive proteins through genetic approaches.
A novel method has been developed to analyze microRNA expression levels, enabling more accurate detection of subtle biological changes. The new approach outperforms existing methods in reducing technical variation and accurately representing input RNA fluctuations.
Agricultural Research Service scientists have sequenced the genome of a parasite that can kill honey bees, providing new insights into colony collapse disorder. The microsporidian parasite produces spores that bees consume when foraging, leading to infection and colony loss.
The DOE JGI has released an enhanced version of Phytozome.net, a web portal providing access to over fourteen plant genomes, including eight sequenced at the JGI. This expansion bolsters comparative plant genomics data for biofuel and agriculture research.
A research team from Princeton University has found that DNA sequences previously considered 'junk' are essential for an organism's growth and development. The discovery reveals that these regions, known as transposons, perform critical functions by rearranging the genome.
New research on cohesin binding patterns in fission yeast reveals that features thought to differentiate cohesin behaviour between organisms collectively define its overall behaviour. This suggests that cohesin's mechanisms of action might be more similar between organisms than previously thought.
The DOE JGI's Expert Review system enhances annotation quality in microbial genomes, correcting errors and improving function annotations. Researchers can access the system to review genome annotations and contribute to advancing bioenergy research and biogeochemistry.
A new study published in The Plant Genome suggests that acquiring cheap genome sequence data can improve the quality of feedstocks used to create biofuels, potentially reducing carbon footprint. This could lead to more sustainable high-yield production with minimal inputs.
Researchers at the University of Maryland are working on a project to analyze vast amounts of DNA sequencing data using remote computer clusters, also known as Cloud Computing. The goal is to determine whether this approach can be more cost-effective and efficient than traditional local clusters.
Breakpoint regions on chromosomes contain a higher density of genes and are more susceptible to breakage, leading to genetic variation. The study found that rearrangements in these regions can lead to new sources of variation, potentially subject to natural selection.
The completed bovine genome sequence provides new information about mammalian evolution, cattle genetics, and improved cattle production. Researchers identified genetic variation among different breeds of cattle, shedding light on the relationship between genes and meat quality.
The FANTOM4 consortium has published several milestone papers in Nature Genetics and BioMed Central journals, providing new data on genomic regulatory blocks and chromatin conformation signatures. These findings have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of gene regulation and cell differentiation.
A University of Iowa biologist is studying how picoeukaryotes, tiny ocean plants, adapt to changing environments in response to climate change. The research found that despite sharing similar morphology, these organisms have distinct gene pools and unique genetic features that allow them to thrive in different ocean regions.
Researchers have decoded the genomes of two tiny algal strains, highlighting their genes that enable them to capture carbon and maintain its delicate balance in the oceans. The study also sheds light on how these algae may cope with environmental change.
Scientists discovered variable ribosomal RNA genes in yeast, which are essential to all Earth's organisms. The genes show surprise variation despite being vital for cell function, and hybridization of two yeasts re-set their clocks, providing clues on evolutionary history.
The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) will analyse plant, animal, and microbial genomes to improve food security and combat exotic animal diseases. It will also develop new ways to kill superbugs and contribute to the UK's economic and social wellbeing.
Researchers discovered that second chromosomes in bacteria are formed from plasmids, challenging current understanding of genome evolution. The study provides a general model for how multichromosomal architectures evolved in the Rhizobiaceae family.
Researchers have identified 10 common variants of genes that modify the timing of heart contraction, known as the QT interval. These genetic variations are associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, which claims over a quarter million Americans annually.
Researchers have identified three genes - VKORC1, CYP2C9, and CYP4F2 - responsible for over 40% of warfarin dose variability. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the genetic landscape influencing dose variability, paving the way for more accurate warfarin dosing and reduced patient risk.
Over 200,000 genetically modified rice mutant lines are now available for researchers to study the function of approximately 57,000 genes in Oryza sativa. The vast repository is expected to accelerate the understanding of gene function and biological processes in rice and other commercially important grasses.
Researchers sequence genomes of 99 known cold virus strains, exposing vulnerabilities that could lead to effective remedies. The study's findings also shed light on the genetic composition of rhinovirus A and B, as well as emerging species C, which is more virulent.
The study reveals that humans have domesticated yeast strains at many points in history from diverse sources, challenging traditional views on the Tree of Life. The analysis also provides insights into yeast probiotics' contribution to gut health and potential applications for cancer treatment.
A new study reveals that large structural DNA changes, known as copy number variants, may be responsible for schizophrenia. Researchers found eight deletions in patients' genomes, two of which were newly identified, suggesting that these rare variations could be causative.
Researchers from DOE/JGI and FPL have deciphered the genetic mechanisms behind brown-rot fungi's ability to break down cellulose in wood. This breakthrough may lead to more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly strategies for biofuels production.
Researchers compared four different strains of Coxiella burnetii to build a comprehensive picture of its genetic architecture and content. They found that strain virulence was associated with a smaller genome and the loss of genes, possibly due to pseudogene formation.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München sequenced sorghum's genome, gaining insights into its drought tolerance and C4 photosynthesis. The analysis provides new information on the evolution of crop plant genomes.
The sorghum genome sequence reveals its drought-tolerant properties and offers tools to breed more resilient crops. The genetic code is also being used to improve biofuel crops like sugarcane and Miscanthus, enhancing the efficiency of cellulosic ethanol production.
A team of scientists has successfully sequenced the genes of the Tasmanian Tiger from its hair, revealing insights into mammal extinction and potential ways to prevent it. The study also opens up new possibilities for analyzing museum specimens and could potentially lead to the revival of extinct species.
Researchers sequenced mitochondrial and nuclear DNA from museum specimens of the thylacine, a marsupial that was declared extinct in 1936. The study found little genetic variation between the two specimens, indicating the species was on the brink of extinction when it became extinct.
Researchers have identified genes controlling snail shell handedness, similar to those used by humans to set up left-right asymmetry. These findings suggest that the same genetic pathway has been responsible for establishing left-right symmetry in animals for 500-650 million years.
A study found that variations within Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria can affect its response to antibiotics, highlighting the need for targeted therapy in infectious disease. The analysis of six genomes revealed unique sets of genes among isolates, with some genes shared but others specific to different subsets.
A new genomic tool has been developed to identify gene function in soybeans, a key step towards improving crop performance. By analyzing transposon mutations, researchers can pinpoint specific genes associated with desirable traits such as seed composition and root growth.
The turkey genome will be assembled using shotgun fragments and paired-end reads, providing benefits for researchers studying commercially important sources of food. The project aims to sequence over 95% of the turkey genome, offering tools for improving commercial breeds and understanding disease development.
The discovery of Bundibugyo ebolavirus represents a significant addition to the puzzle of the Ebola virus genus. The new virus is genetically distinct from all other known Ebola virus species, differing by more than 30% at the genetic level. This finding has implications for the development of diagnostics, antivirals, and vaccines.
A new microbe, discovered in the open ocean, lacks genes needed for photosynthesis, yet provides natural fertilizer to the oceans by fixing nitrogen. Its unique metabolism may have implications for understanding carbon and nitrogen cycles in ocean ecosystems.