Genome sequencing

Microbial Genetics: Genetic Mechanisms in Bacteria and Archaea

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Microbial genetics is a specialized field within genetics that focuses on the study of genetic mechanisms in bacteria and archaea, collectively referred to as microorganisms or microbes. These single-celled organisms play crucial roles in various ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling, biogeochemical processes, symbiotic relationships, and human health. Microbial genetics explores the diversity, evolution, regulation, and … Read more

Evolutionary Genetics: Genetic Changes Over Generations

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Evolutionary genetics is a field of study that explores genetic changes within populations and species over generations, elucidating the mechanisms and processes driving evolutionary processes. It integrates principles from genetics, molecular biology, population genetics, and evolutionary biology to understand how genetic variation, mutation, natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and other factors shape the genetic … Read more

Genomics: Mapping Genomes and Genetic Variation

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Genomics is a field of biology that focuses on the study of genomes, which are the complete sets of genetic material (DNA) present in an organism. Genomics encompasses a wide range of disciplines, techniques, and methodologies aimed at mapping genomes, analyzing genetic variation, understanding gene function, and elucidating the genetic basis of traits, diseases, and … Read more

Genetics: Inheritance and Molecular Basis of Life

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Genetics, the study of heredity and the molecular basis of life, represents a cornerstone of modern biology with profound implications for understanding biological diversity, human health, evolution, and biotechnological applications. At the core of genetics lies the exploration of genetic inheritance, the transmission of traits from parents to offspring, and the molecular mechanisms governing genetic … Read more

New hedgehog species found in eastern China after million-year isolation

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A groundbreaking discovery has been unveiled by researchers at Anhui Normal University in Wuhu, China – a new species within the hedgehog genus Mesechinus. This distinctive hedgehog species, named Mesechinus orientalis, was identified through a comprehensive analysis of morphological and phylogenetic characteristics, setting it apart from other regional hedgehogs. Published in the open-access journal ZooKeys, … Read more

Biology

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Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It explores a vast range of topics, including the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. This discipline delves into various levels of biological organization, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems. Through methods like observation, experimentation, and analysis, biologists seek … Read more

What is physiology?

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Physiology, derived from the Greek words “physis” (nature) and “logos” (study), is the scientific discipline that explores the normal functioning of living organisms. It aims to understand the mechanisms that govern the various physiological processes within organisms, from the cellular level to complex organ systems. Physiology provides insights into how living organisms maintain homeostasis, respond … Read more

Extrachromosomal DNA

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Extrachromosomal DNA refers to genetic material that exists outside the chromosomes within a cell. While the majority of an organism’s genetic information is typically organized within the chromosomes in the nucleus, extrachromosomal DNA can be found in various cellular compartments, such as organelles or plasmids. Understanding the role and characteristics of extrachromosomal DNA is crucial … Read more

Novel repeat gene cluster discovered in humans and non-human primates

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Investigators from the laboratory of Ali Shilatifard, Ph.D., the Robert Francis Furchgott Professor and chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, have discovered a new repeat gene cluster sequence that is exclusively expressed in humans and non-human primates. The discovery, detailed in a study published in Science Advances, is a breakthrough for human genome biology and … Read more

New bison genome maps genetic traits, including albinism

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Scientists from the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences has recently achieved a significant milestone in the realm of genomics. Leading the research, Dr. James Derr and his team have developed the most comprehensive genome to date for the North American bison, utilizing cutting-edge genome sequencing technology. This advancement not only brings … Read more

Admixture and rare variants in African americans with inflammatory bowel disease

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The advent of whole genome sequencing technology has prompted an explosion in research into how genetics are associated with disease risk. But the vast majority of genetics research has been done on people of European ancestry, and genetics researchers have realized that in order to address health disparities, more needs to be done. In a … Read more

Kimchi LAB strain found to have high resistance to phages and potential antiviral activity

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Researchers at the World Institute of Kimchi have made groundbreaking discoveries in the realm of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains within long-term fermented kimchi stored at low temperatures. Kimchi, a beloved Korean dish, undergoes spontaneous fermentation driven by various microorganisms, leading to a diverse array of dominant LAB strains depending on the environmental conditions. In … Read more

Gut microbes from wild wolves may hold key to treating canine inflammatory bowel disease

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Researchers at Oregon State University—Cascades have made a fascinating discovery in their study involving gut microbes from wild wolves. They believe that these microbes could hold the key to alleviating a common gastrointestinal condition in domestic dogs known as canine inflammatory bowel disease. This debilitating illness is characterized by symptoms like vomiting, reduced appetite, weight … Read more

Scientists identify disease-resistant coral genotypes, raising hope for reef restoration

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Northeastern scientist Steven Vollmer, observing the devastating disease outbreaks decimating staghorn coral colonies in the Caribbean, pondered the potential insights offered by the few survivors. Could genetic markers identify disease-resistant corals? And if we were to cultivate these hardier types in underwater coral nurseries, could it lead to more robust reef systems? In his recent … Read more

Genomics reveals distinct syphilis transmission networks and drug resistance in England

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Scientists, in collaboration with the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the UK Health Security Agency, have harnessed genomics to unveil distinct patterns of syphilis transmission in England. They’ve categorized these networks by geography and sexual preference, shedding light on the disease’s spread. Additionally, their research highlights a concerning prevalence of drug resistance among syphilis cases. By … Read more

Did 1,280 human ancestors save our species 900,000 years ago?

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A recent study, using genetic analysis modeling, suggests that the existence of the current eight billion people on Earth may have hinged on the resilience of just 1,280 human ancestors who almost faced extinction approximately 900,000 years ago. This research implies that our ancestors endured a precarious existence for about 120,000 years. However, some scientists … Read more

New method to detect HR-deficient cancers could lead to more effective treatments

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Genetic material, known as DNA, can suffer harm from various sources like toxins, radiation exposure, and even regular cell division. To ensure survival, human cells need to continuously mend breaks in their DNA. If cells are unable to repair DNA effectively, it can result in mutations that contribute to the development of cancer. A majority … Read more

390-million-year-old moss may not survive climate change

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A moss named Takakia, dating back 390 million years, thrives in remote locales like the icy Tibetan Plateau. Scientists embarked on a 10-year quest, scaling towering peaks to uncover Takakia, decode its DNA, and probe its response to climate change. In a landmark study published in Cell, the team unveiled Takakia as one of the … Read more

Genome sequencing reveals inbreeding in extinct Xerces blue butterfly

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The Xerces Blue butterfly (Glaucopsyche xerces) was once found in the coastal dunes of San Francisco, USA. However, urban development caused significant destruction of its habitat, and the butterfly’s population was confined to Golden Gate National Park. Known for its stunning deep iridescent blue wings with distinct white spots on the underside, this butterfly became … Read more

Genome sequencing of antarctic fish reveals how they survive in extreme cold

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A team of international researchers, based at esteemed institutions including the University of Cambridge, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Oslo, as well as institutes in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States, has successfully sequenced the genomes of 24 Antarctic fish species. Their groundbreaking work, which has been published in the prestigious journal … Read more