Articles tagged with Microbial Genetics
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.
The Genome Sequencing Center at Washington University School of Medicine increased its sequencing capacity with the acquisition of five new Genome Sequencer FLX Systems from Roche Diagnostics. The center will be able to support a wide variety of projects, including transcriptome analysis of individual tumors and human microbiome studies.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that clones with similar genetic traits outperformed those with varied genetics, producing more flowers and potentially increasing reproduction. The study suggests that a gene called Erecta plays a role in this variation, but further research is needed to confirm the findings.
A new comparative metagenomics method reveals that microbes evolve faster in some environments than others, with many lineages remaining loyal to their habitats over time. The study provides insights into the evolution of microorganisms in different ecosystems, shedding light on the invisible life on Earth.
The Microbe experiment on board the space shuttle Atlantis will investigate how three common microorganisms adapt to microgravity, with potential benefits for developing new therapeutics and treatments for infectious diseases. The results will help NASA evaluate risks to astronauts on future missions to the moon and Mars.
Researchers found that mating in microbes reduces asexual reproduction efficiency, but leads to genetic diversity and hardy offspring. This balance between cost and benefit of sex may improve survival chances under harsh environmental conditions.
The DOE is awarding $92 million to develop biology-based solutions to energy and environmental challenges. The funding supports six research projects that aim to harness the diverse capabilities of microbes and microbial communities to address DOE's mission needs.
The Genomics: GTL Roadmap outlines a plan to explore microbial DNA sequences to produce new science needed for clean energy and environmental needs. The roadmap will spur growth in industrial biotechnology sector, using microbes for processes and products that can serve as an engine for economic competitiveness.
Research reveals fungal microbes use tandem repeats in genes to change protein conformations, evading the immune system and causing diseases. The study also explains why certain beers are cloudy or clear, providing new insights into brewing.
Researchers developed Environmental Genomic Tags (EGTs) to assess environment vitality and signal progress in remediating contaminated environments. The EGT approach captures a DNA profile of a particular niche, reflecting the presence and levels of nutrients, pollutants, and other environmental features.
The Bridging the Rift project is a unique collaboration between Arab and Israeli scientists, with 40 researchers from Israel, Jordan, and the US working together. They conducted a joint biological field survey in January, collecting microbes and plants that thrive in the harsh desert environment.
A partnership between OneWorld Health, University of California - Berkeley, and Amyris Biotechnologies aims to produce an inexpensive antimalarial drug using synthetic biology. The goal is to reduce the cost of treatment to under $1 per adult course, making it more accessible to millions in developing countries.
Research reveals that gut microbes suppress fasting-induced adipocyte factor (Fiaf), helping to keep fat cell gates closed. This suppression can lead to increased fat storage and insulin resistance, highlighting the importance of gut microbiota in regulating fat metabolism.
Researchers describe how microbes in the gut form the second largest metabolic 'organ' in the body, influencing disease processes alongside genetic and environmental factors. The discovery of this 'superorganism' could lead to new approaches to treating disease and developing personalized medicine.
The diatom genome project provides insight into the vital role that diatoms play in mediating global warming by absorbing CO2 and producing oxygen. Diatoms also have a unique urea cycle to reduce their dependence on nitrogen, enabling them to thrive in changing ocean conditions.
The discovery of 1.2 million new genes in Sargasso Sea microbes has significant implications for carbon sequestration and alternative energy production. The genes are part of the larger Genomics: GTL program, which aims to develop innovative solutions to address national energy needs.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of three Prochlorococcus and one Synechococcus strains, revealing insights into their metabolic machinery and ecological niches. The discoveries may aid studies on global climate change and sustainable energy production.
Researchers use DNA analysis to identify previously unknown microbe kingdoms, expanding the estimated number of microbial species to about 30. The discovery has potential applications in agriculture and ecology, including understanding soil diversity and improving sewage treatment.
The collaboration aims to extract DNA from diverse ecosystems and sequence it using JGI's capabilities. This will provide a vast resource of genetic material for scientists to study and develop new products, including pharmaceuticals, agricultural solutions, and energy sources.
The Department of Energy has awarded $9 million to IBEA, led by J. Craig Venter, to study microorganisms in the Sargasso Sea and explore their potential for producing hydrogen and reducing carbon dioxide emissions from energy sources like petroleum and coal.
The NIAID's new center will support research on three to 10 important pathogens over the next three years. It will develop new technologies for analyzing gene function, train researchers, and provide resources for the scientific community. The center aims to better understand individual genes and proteins to develop targeted treatments.
Norman Pace's innovative work on microbial diversity and biochemical reactions has revolutionized the field. He is one of 23 recipients of the prestigious 2001 MacArthur Fellowship, recognizing his significant contributions to science.