Research reading and comparing genomes. Covers disease redefinition, pangenome-guided breeding, crop pathogens, and reference genomes for neuroscience.
The University of Houston's Institute for Molecular Design will receive a $500,000 DNA sequencer, allowing researchers to analyze complex genome data in a couple of days, instead of years. The device will help advance synthetic biology and stem cell research at UH.
Researchers sequenced the genome of Chlamydomonas, a single-celled alga with traits from both animals and plants. The genome contains approximately 15,000 proteins and may have uses in basic bio-medical research, agricultural research, and understanding certain diseases.
Researchers sequence Fusarium graminearum genome to understand its interaction with plants and develop resistance. The study aims to identify genes that enable the fungus to cause disease and produce toxins, which can be fatal to humans and livestock.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered a genetic link between maternal and altruistic behaviors in wasps, finding similarities with honey bee workers. The study suggests that eusociality may have evolved from maternal behavior in paper wasps, challenging Darwinian predictions.
Researchers from Penn State University and Copenhagen discovered that hair shafts can preserve ancient DNA, allowing for the sequencing of entire mitochondrial genomes from 10 individual woolly mammoths. This breakthrough enables efficient analysis of genetic material from extinct species.
A new study using a molecular clock indicates that smallpox evolved earlier than previously believed, with divergence times ranging from 16,000 to 68,000 years ago. The research provides a framework for studying the natural history of other diseases and suggests that local pools of old strains existed in geographically dispersed areas.
A recent study reveals Deinococcus geothermalis, a highly radiation-resistant bacterium, originated on Earth, not Mars. Contrary to previous speculation, the research defines a minimal set of genes responsible for its extreme resistance, offering hope for conferring this trait to other organisms.
A global team of researchers has revealed the genetic sequence of Brugia malayi, a parasitic worm that causes debilitating diseases in over 40 million people. The study identifies dozens of potential new targets for drugs or vaccines, including genes involved in molting, immune signaling, and host metabolism.
As personal genomics advances, researchers caution against mass adoption due to ethical, social, and clinical concerns. The integration of genome sequences into routine clinical care poses significant challenges for healthcare systems.
A University of Delaware-led team is working to advance scientific understanding of the rice epigenome, which regulates gene expression. The four-year project uses novel 'deep sequencing' technology to decode millions of DNA sequences and shed light on similar mechanisms in corn and other cereal grains.
A study using a DNA microarray technology, Virochip, detected an unexpected number of viruses and viral subtypes in patients with respiratory tract infections. The technique identified new viruses associated with human diseases, including asthma exacerbations.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of Fusarium graminearum, a fungal plant pathogen that causes devastating blight in wheat and barley crops. The study reveals unstable regions of the genome where disease-causing genes reside, providing insights into the fungus's ability to evolve and adapt.
The Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) data management system has been upgraded to Version 2.3, featuring new microbial genomes from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Reference Sequence collection. The system now includes fungi, protists, and plant genomes, providing a broader comparative analysis platform.
Researchers found a repeating pattern of 8 to 10 base pairs between CG dinucleotides that may signal differential methylation and imprinting. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of gene regulation and has implications for understanding disease development, particularly in cancer genes.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the mastodon has been sequenced, increasing the age limit for paleogenomic analyses by almost a complete glacial cycle. The study reveals that mammoths are more closely related to Asian than African elephants, with divergence times similar to those of humans, chimpanzees, and gorillas.
Researchers developed a method to catalog genetic variations in Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing regions targeted by natural selection. The study found that one out of 10 genes is very different and many gene families were shaped by evolution. The data have been placed in a publicly accessible database.
Researchers infer complete chromosome sequences from existing data using a statistical method that exploits genetic mutations in organisms with high variability. The study confirms the conserved function of junk DNA and its potential role in regulating gene function.
Scientists at UCSD School of Medicine have found that 'junk' DNA sequences may serve as punctuation marks to organize functional domains within the genome. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in gene therapy by understanding how genomic material contributes to the regulation of genes.
The DOE JGI has released Version 2.2 of the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) system, offering 2,815 genomes for public access. The new system includes enhanced data exploration and analysis tools, allowing scientists to better study microbial communities.
A retrospective study identified rare drug-resistant HIV variants in blood samples from an earlier clinical trial using ultra-deep sequencing. The findings suggest that even low-level mutations can lead to early treatment failure, highlighting the need for improved resistance testing methods.
Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the complex heterochromatin of fruit flies, revealing over 200 protein-coding genes and functional elements. The study sheds light on the critical role of heterochromatin in cellular survival and organization.
The completed Aedes aegypti genome sequence reveals over 1,000 transposable elements occupying approximately 50% of the genome. These elements may be developed as tools to study mosquito-virus interactions and potentially lead to controls on disease transmission.
The DOE JGI has established a gold standard for metagenomic data analysis, enabling accurate classification of sequence fragments into species populations. The method involves simulating metagenomes with known sample genomes, allowing researchers to evaluate the predictive accuracy of existing tools and identify potential pitfalls.
Tiny green algae, known as picophytoplankton, play a significant share of the world’s total photosynthetic activity. Their genome structure and metabolic capabilities have been studied, revealing adaptations to different ecological niches.
Researchers found that specialist fruit fly Drosophila sechellia is losing genes for smell and taste receptors at a faster rate than its generalist relative Drosophila simulans. This adaptation may help the flies adjust to eating specific plants.
A collaborative research project has sequenced and assembled the complete genome of Pichia stipitis, a native xylose-fermenting yeast. This breakthrough will increase efficiency and economic viability in bioconversion by enabling simultaneous fermentation of glucose and xylose.
Researchers at Yale University have identified key virulence genes in A. baumannii bacteria, which cause highly resistant infections in combat troops. The study's findings suggest new targets for antimicrobial drugs and provide insight into the evolution of bacterial virulence.
Scientists have sequenced the genome of symbiotic bacteria in giant clams living near hydrothermal vents, revealing a unique chemosynthetic process that allows them to thrive in dark depths. The bacteria fix carbon and produce nutrients for the clam, similar to how chloroplasts work in photosynthesis.
Researchers found that the genetic code is nearly optimal for encoding signals of any length in parallel to sequences coding for proteins. The code is also organized efficiently, halting protein synthesis when necessary to conserve energy and resources.
The Cornell-led International Tomato Sequencing Project will sequence the tomato genome and create a comprehensive database of genomic sequences, enabling researchers to study crop development and domestication. The project, funded by $1.8 million from the NSF, aims to tie together maps and genomes of all plants in the Solanaceae family.
Researchers have decoded the genetic makeup of T. vaginalis, a parasite causing trichomoniasis, revealing potential pathways for new treatments, diagnostics, and a vaccine strategy. The large genome comprises nearly 26,000 predicted genes, with many repetitive genes accounting for 65% of its structure.
A recent study analyzes the genome of Cytophaga hutchinsonii, a bacterium that efficiently breaks down cellulose. The research suggests a possible connection between motility and cellulose digestion, which could lead to more efficient conversion of cellulose into ethanol for bioenergy production.
A single gene, ROP18, accounts for 90% of Toxoplasma gondii's virulence, making it a key target for identifying and treating the parasite's most dangerous strains. Researchers hope to develop new treatments using existing kinase inhibitors.
Researchers are studying how unicellular micro-algae, known as diatoms, create complex cell walls and aim to learn from their intricate micro-architectures. Genetic engineering of diatoms using microparticle bombardment enables the insertion of mutated or foreign genes into the genome, potentially leading to novel silica nanostructures.
The DOE JGI has released version 2.0 of the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) system, which features 1541 new public microbial, viral and eukaryotic genomes. Additionally, 177 in-house sequenced genomes have been added to the database, bringing the total number of genomes to 2301.
Researchers used comparative genome sequencing technology to study E. coli's evolution over 44 days. Mutations appeared in key genes, enabling faster growth and adapting to environmental conditions.
A new genetic analysis has revealed that flies and moths are most closely related to beetles, contrary to previous theory. This finding suggests that the ability of insects to cooperate in social groupings may have evolved just once, rather than independently in several different species.
Researchers have sequenced the honeybee genome, revealing its African origins and surprising spread throughout Europe, Asia, and North and South America. The findings highlight the need for better breeding practices to assist pollination and mitigate the negative impact of Africanized bees.
Research reveals ARGONAUTE 4 protein (AGO4) plays a dual role in RNA-directed DNA methylation, controlling epigenetic organization of entire genome. 454 Sequencing technology allows for comprehensive view of small RNAs, revolutionizing research on mechanisms of RNA interference.
ASU researchers have identified ancestral genes from solitary predecessors as likely connected to social behavior in honeybees. The study mapped behavior precisely to genome regions using high recombination rates, revealing a conserved pathway of insulin signaling involved in foraging decisions.
A new metagenomic study of activated sludge wastewater treatment processes reveals key players and mechanisms behind the process. The researchers were able to obtain a nearly complete genetic blueprint for Accumulibacter phosphatis, a bacterial species essential for removing excess phosphorus from wastewater.
Genomatix Software GmbH has appointed a distributor in China, Beijing ZGZ Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd., to expand its market presence. This partnership is significant for Genomatix, with over 1,800 researchers in China subscribed to its free services.
Biologists have discovered that genes can change their locations in a genome, triggering the origin of species. The 'jumping gene' theory, long disputed, has been confirmed by researchers at the University of Rochester using fruit fly species Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans.
Researchers analyzed Paulinella's plastid genome, finding it closely related to cyanobacteria and retaining ancient genetic features. The study offers insights into the establishment of plastids and the transition from single-celled hosts to complex organisms.
The genome sequences of P. ramorum and P. sojae could lead to strategies to combat these destructive plant pathogens. Phytophthora species cause significant losses in various crops, including soybeans, oak trees, and cocoa beans, resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars in economic damage annually.
A new microchip-based test called FluChip can distinguish among 72 influenza strains in under 12 hours, enhancing global flu surveillance efforts. This technology has the potential to increase laboratory diagnostic capacity and provide critical information on the geographic origin of emerging viruses.
The sequenced genome of Tetrahymena thermophila encodes over 27,000 protein-coding genes and lacks centromeres, shedding light on the single-celled organism's unique biology. The discovery provides a valuable model for studying eukaryotic evolution.
Tetrahymena thermophila has two distinct nuclei, each with a different genome, and its macronuclear genome expresses genes governing behavior. The study reveals gene duplication in genes involved in sensing and responding to environment.
Scientists have discovered a common coastal strain of cyanobacteria that thrives in choppy, polluted waters. The study found that this strain has evolved unique metal-processing biology missing in its open-ocean relative, enabling it to absorb and process essential metals.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute successfully sequenced the genome of a methane-producing Rice Cluster I Archaeon, revealing unique enzymatic mechanisms that enable them to thrive in oxygen-rich environments. This breakthrough could pave the way for developing methods to monitor and potentially reduce methane emissions from floode...
Scientists identified a genetic element that the dengue virus uses to replicate, triggering the potentially fatal illness known as dengue hemorrhagic fever. The discovery provides a model for RNA replication in flaviviruses, which cause millions of cases of human illness each year.
The Laccaria genome sequence will provide critical insights into the symbiotic relationship between trees and fungi, enabling faster-growing trees with enhanced biomass production. The study highlights the importance of mycorrhizal fungi in terrestrial ecosystems and their potential to mitigate climate change.
Scientists have uncovered the complete genome sequence of Ostreococcus tauri, a tiny eukaryote that plays a significant role in ocean climate dynamics. The study reveals the organism's complex genetic makeup and its ability to perform photosynthesis, which has major implications for carbon cycling.
A new hybrid method combines the best of old and new genome-sequencing technologies to produce better quality genomic information. The approach evaluates the utility and cost-effectiveness of two sequencing methods and finds that a hybrid method produces superior results.
The DOE JGI has released IMG 1.5, which contains 62 finished and 100 draft genomes sequenced by the institute. The release includes 38 new DOE JGI genomes and 21 new public microbial genomes, with 22 archaeal genomes featuring curated gene models.
Researchers have gained insights into the genetic mechanisms of Proteus mirabilis, a bacterium causing kidney stones and complicated urinary tract infections. The complete genome sequence, including 3,693 genes and 4.063 megabases of DNA, will help scientists identify potential targets for new vaccines.
Scientists have discovered that ancient genes, including Constans (CO) and Flowering Locus T (FT), dictate flowering and fall bud set in trees. This finding has significant implications for understanding tree maturation and adaptation to climate change, as well as speeding up tree breeding.
The VBI Microbial Database provides genome sequence and annotation data for two major plant pathogens, Phytophthora sojae and Phytophthora ramorum. The database offers powerful analytical tools and community annotation features to facilitate research on these pathogens.
A new method for targeted gene disruption has been developed for the filamentous fungus A. brassicicola, allowing for high-throughput identification of genes and their functions. This breakthrough enables researchers to dissect the pathogen's genome and establish the function of individual genes in disease development.
Researchers sequenced DNA from microbes and viruses collected at different ocean depths, discovering thousands of new genes and evidence of frequent gene exchange. This study provides a comprehensive picture of ocean microbial communities and their interactions with the environment.