Research reading and comparing genomes. Covers disease redefinition, pangenome-guided breeding, crop pathogens, and reference genomes for neuroscience.
A new platform has been developed to study how specialized proteins regulate RNA in living, intact cells. By identifying every sequence within every strand of RNA to which proteins bind, researchers can now address questions about how differences in RNA explain the vast differences between humans and worms.
Researchers found a unique microorganism, Desulforudis audaxviator, living in complete isolation with no sunlight, oxygen, and extreme heat. The bacterium survives by harnessing energy from hydrogen and sulfate produced by radioactive decay of uranium, and has a remarkable genome with 2,157 protein-coding genes.
Researchers have deciphered the complete genetic sequence of Plasmodium vivax, the leading cause of relapsing malaria. The findings provide new insights into the biology of vivax malaria and may lead to new tools for prevention and treatment.
Researchers have discovered unique genes in the genome of Plasmodium vivax, a parasite responsible for 25% of global malaria cases. The findings could lead to the development of new drugs and vaccines against this debilitating disease.
The genome sequence of Plasmodium knowlesi has been defined, providing new research opportunities for comparisons with P. vivax. Establishing similarities and differences between the parasites' genomes will assist in the selection of genetic targets for vaccine and drug development.
The study completes the genome sequence and genetic map of Meloidogyne hapla, a microscopic worm causing significant crop damage. The research provides a powerful platform for understanding parasitism and developing eco-friendly management strategies.
Researchers sequenced the genome of Cyanobacterium ATCC 51142, revealing a rare linear chromosome containing genes for pyruvate metabolism. The discovery provides a framework for understanding this organism's ability to produce lactate and other compounds.
The U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has updated the Integrated Microbial Genome System with new microbial genomes, improving its capabilities for analyzing metagenomic data. The system now includes tools for exploring gene cassettes conservation and examining functional annotation of genomes.
Researchers at Iowa State University have contributed to the release of the annotated genome of Meloidogyne incognita, a destructive nematode responsible for $157 billion in agricultural damage annually. The sequencing achievement provides a resource for understanding and controlling this widespread pest.
Researchers characterize grapevine transposons, finding they capture and amplify gene sequences, influencing gene evolution. The study also reveals 'domesticated' transposons with cellular roles, contributing to genetic diversity.
A new resource called Proteopedia links written information with interactive 3D images of biomacromolecules, enabling easy creation and editing by users. By integrating 3D structures with descriptive text, Proteopedia aims to make complex structural information comprehensible to all.
A novel approach extracts single genomes and discerns specific microbial capabilities from mixed community sequence data. The research team characterized biochemical pathways associated with nitrogen cycling and methane utilization in Lake Washington sediments, revealing novel versions of metabolism.
Researchers have successfully sequenced the complete genome of a microbe that eats methylamine, a form of ammonia, using lake mud as a sample. The study showcases a new method for discovering unknown organisms and has significant implications for understanding ecological cycles and monitoring microbial population shifts.
Researchers have discovered that broken sections of chromosomes can recombine to form new types of chromosomes, leading to genome diversification. This process is mediated by repeated DNA sequences, which account for half of the human genome.
IGV integrates multiple types of genomic data, allowing for rapid analysis and visualization. The tool provides flexible zooming and panning across all resolution scales.
A multi-disciplinary group proposes ten principles to guide the use of racial and ethnic categories in genetic research, minimizing misinterpretation and misuse of human genetic variation. The guidelines recognize that racial and ethnic categories are socio-political constructs that change over time.
Recent advancements in genome technologies and molecular-biology techniques offer new hope for microbial bioenergy applications. Microbes can convert biomass into useful energy forms, such as methane, hydrogen, or electricity, and capture sunlight to produce liquid fuels.
Researchers sequenced duckweed's genome to unlock its ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and alleviating world hunger. The plant can extract pollutants from wastewater, producing biomass faster than any other flowering plant.
A team of undergraduate students from UC San Diego has developed a new area of bioinformatics called comparative proteogenomics, which analyzes multiple genomes and proteomes simultaneously. This approach improves genomic and proteomic annotations, unlocking biological mysteries and addressing difficult problems in the field.
Scientists are sequencing ancient maize landraces to recapture the full genetic diversity of this complex crop. The Palomero genome is about 22% smaller than B73, revealing a large pool of unexplored genetic diversity.
Scientists have unraveled plant architecture at the molecular level using genomic data, shedding light on flower and grain development in maize. They characterized key gene networks and biochemical pathways, providing insights into plant construction and evolutionary conservation.
Researchers have discovered insights into vertebrate origins and the evolution of immune systems, nervous system development, and cell signaling through the analysis of the amphioxus genome. The study reveals conserved genes and DNA elements between amphioxus and humans, suggesting a common ancestor with vertebrates.
Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore have identified over 3,000 genomic hotspots critical for maintaining embryonic stem cell state. These findings may lead to the development of an inexhaustible source of clinically useful cells for regenerative medicine.
Researchers have discovered a group of 24 linked to virulence in Brucella abortus strain S19, which has been used as a vaccine for cattle. The study's findings may explain why other strains cause disease and trigger abortion in livestock. This understanding could aid in combating brucellosis and its potential applications in bioterrorism.
Researchers have discovered that a fundamental building block in flowering plants evolved independently from lycophytes, an ancient plant group. This finding has significant implications for understanding plant biology and developing more efficient biofuel production methods.
Researchers can now contribute to large-scale community protein annotation, enhancing comprehensive coverage of biomedical knowledge. WikiProteins combines existing authoritative databases with mined scientific papers, creating over one million concept clouds called 'Knowlets', which can be annotated by experts.
Researchers have successfully sequenced the papaya genome, revealing a complex evolutionary history and providing valuable insights into fruit tree biology. The study also identified genetic mechanisms underlying arboreal development and seed dispersal, with potential implications for other crops in the Brassicales order.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem demonstrate the exact mechanism by which embryonic stem cells develop into specific cell types. The study reveals that ES cells express a large proportion of their genome in an 'open and active' state, enabling them to become any cell type before undergoing global genetic silencing.
A consortium of scientists including CSHL's Gregory J. Hannon report findings about mammalian evolution gleaned from comparative study of small-RNA function in platypus, revealing unique characteristics such as egg-laying and venom delivery. The platypus genome also shows conserved small-RNA roles across species.
The platypus genome sequence published by UK researchers reveals a mix of mammalian, bird-like and reptilian features in the species' genetic blueprint. The analysis found that platypus venom is a cocktail of proteins originally with different functions, similar to those in reptile venom.
The platypus genome provides insights into the evolution of venom components and a bird-like sex-determination system in mammalian ancestors. Researchers have found that platypus venom genes evolved by gene duplication of antimicrobial beta-defensins, mirroring an independent evolutionary pathway in reptiles.
Researchers have completed the first analysis of platypus DNA, revealing insights into gene regulation and immune systems that may lead to advances in human disease prevention. The study's findings also provide new perspectives on mammalian evolution and conservation efforts.
The genome of Steno, a newly emerging superbug, has been sequenced, revealing an organism with exceptional drug resistance. Understanding its genetic makeup may help researchers develop biochemical compounds to combat this resistance.
The genome sequence of Podospora anserina shows the fungus has a large set of genes involved in breaking down complex carbon sources, including cellulose and lignin. This discovery may lead to novel regulatory mechanisms during growth and reproduction, with potential applications in biotechnology.
Researchers analyzed genomic data to reveal the evolution of rickettsial genomes and their diversity. The study provides an ideal resource for developing vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics for Rickettsia diseases.
A broad collaboration has produced a first draft of the papaya genome, offering insights into its evolutionary path and genetic changes that make it resistant to the papaya ringspot virus. The findings indicate that papaya diverged from Arabidopsis 72 million years ago, taking a different evolutionary path.
A Virginia Tech researcher is investigating the evolution of bacterial speck disease in tomatoes, which may hold clues about how plant pathogens adapted to monoculture farming. The study aims to identify molecular mechanisms allowing pathogens to specialize to specific plant species and become more aggressive.
A recent study suggests that selenium supplements may not be necessary for most people due to a reduced reliance on the trace element in mammals. This discovery raises questions about the need for supplements and highlights the importance of considering individual factors such as age, sex, and medical needs.
A research team has identified a massive superfamily of genes in plant pathogens that manipulate plant cells to facilitate infection. This discovery could lead to new strategies for protecting crops from devastating diseases.
The genome of Tribolium castaneum, a major agricultural pest, has been fully sequenced. This achievement will enable the development of new methods to protect food plants against beetles. The sequencing also provides valuable insights into the biology of other beetle species.
The International Giant Panda Genome Project aims to sequence and assemble the giant panda's draft genome within six months. The project will aid in understanding the genetic and biological underpinnings of this unique species, informing conservation efforts and advancing sequencing technology.
Researchers at NIA used Genomatix to identify two novel transcription factors, B-Myb and Maz, involved in maintaining undifferentiated stem cells or early differentiation. The study linked pluripotent stem cell-associated transcripts to regulatory gene networks.
Researchers found that viruses evolve to spell their genes in the same way as their bacterial hosts, demonstrating co-evolutionary behavior. The study also revealed that regions of high codon bias in viral genomes coincide with structural protein encoding, reflecting a selection for optimized protein production.
A newly sequenced genome reveals insights into the evolution from single-celled life forms to multicellular animals. Choanoflagellates, tiny planktonic organisms, are the closest living relatives of animals and hold key information about human history and the origins of life.
The researchers' successful sequencing of the cyanobacterium's genome has revealed its genetic secrets, shedding light on how it produces chlorophyll d and absorbs far-red light. This discovery holds potential for plant research and could lead to the development of crops that can harness a wider range of light spectrum.
Scientists have sequenced the genome of a rare cyanobacterium that produces an even rarer form of chlorophyll, enabling it to harness near-infrared light. This breakthrough could lead to genetically altered plants that can store and generate solar energy, increasing photosynthesis efficiency.
The DOE JGI has released a preliminary soybean genome assembly, enabling researchers to study the genetic code and develop more effective bioenergy applications. The assembly is based on 13 million shotgun reads and will be improved upon in future versions.
Researchers have sequenced the high-quality draft genome of a Pinot Noir grape, providing insights into its relatively small genome and heterozygosity. The discovery offers a treasure trove of variation to investigate gene characteristics and evolution.
The Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) data management system has been updated to version 2.4, featuring 3,637 genomes from the Version 25 release of NCBI RefSeq. The new update includes a reorganized user interface and enhanced functional annotation capabilities.
Researchers characterized gene expression patterns in Kawasaki disease patients, identifying innate immune mechanisms and proinflammatory responses. The study supports the use of gene-expression profiles to generate biomarkers for other systemic inflammatory illnesses, improving diagnosis and treatment options.
LitInspector is a powerful literature and pathway mining system that offers quick and easy retrieval of pathways, genes, gene functions, and gene-gene interactions. The system utilizes cutting-edge text mining technology and leverages the largest gene synonym table available to provide comprehensive results.
Researchers from UF and UT Austin analyzed DNA sequences to build a family tree for plants, revealing the five major lineages of flowering plants that exist today. The diversification is believed to have been sparked by various factors, including climate change and the emergence of new traits.
Researchers sequence genomes of multi-drug resistant and drug-sensitive TB isolates, revealing few genetic differences that contribute to drug resistance. The findings shed light on the genetic factors driving TB drug resistance and lay the groundwork for a rapid diagnostic test.
Researchers have completed the genomes of ten new fruit fly species, providing a comprehensive understanding of their evolution over 60 million years. The study also identified 1193 new genes and 414 corrected previously catalogued genes across the twelve closely related species.
A large-scale comparative analysis of twelve fruit fly species reveals insights on gene evolution, functional elements, and a powerful approach to deciphering other genomes. The study identifies thousands of novel genes, evolutionary signatures, and systematically defines the functional parts of the fly genome.
The study provides unprecedented insights into the genetic diversity of fruit flies, enabling scientists to compare related species and track ancestry. By analyzing mitochondrial DNA sequences from 12 species, researchers have discovered highly conserved genes and rapid-evolving genes, shedding light on evolutionary adaptations.
The study of 12 Drosophila genomes provides novel insights into microRNA (miRNA) regulation, identifying 59 new miRNAs and revealing greater diversity in their role in gene expression. The analysis also reveals emergent gene function and post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms, with potential applications in human disease research.
A recent study integrates lipid metabolic profiling with gene expression analysis, demonstrating the synergistic power of combining metabolic profiling with proprietary microarray analysis methods. The results show that Por can be considered an enzyme critical for proper functioning of lipid mobilization in the mouse liver.
A team of researchers has discovered that colugos, also known as flying lemurs, are the closest living relatives to primates. This finding has significant implications for anthropology and genomics, providing a clearer understanding of primate evolution and potential fossil record placement.
Researchers at DOE JGI identified genes that kill recipient bacteria during gene transfer, providing a possible strategy for discovering new antibiotics. The study also sheds light on the evolutionary history of organisms and offers a way to finish genome assemblies.