Sequencing of Comb Jellies’ DNA Reveals that they Preceded Sponges

Genome-sequencing data indicates that sponges were preceded by ctenophores, complex marine predators also called comb jellies.

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UK to Sequence Genome of 100,000 Patients

The UK has planned to fully sequence the genome of 100,000 Britons with cancer and rare diseases in an effort to decode their DNA, and hopefully find a cure for diseases. The project is unusual because it will decode the entire genome, not just parts of it.

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MALBAC Offers More Efficient Way to Sequence DNA

Sequencing DNA is nothing new, but it’s much harder to sequence the DNA of a single cell. In order to get enough DNA for sequencing, usually thousands or millions of cells are required. Finding out which mutations are in which cells is extremely difficult, making the mutations present in only a few cells, like early cancerous cells, almost impossible to detect.

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Inherent Complexity of the Wheat Genome

An international team has produced a rough draft of wheat’s DNA sequence. The draft identifies many of its genes and makes it possible to identify thousands of potential genetic changes that could improve this crop. It’s been long considered one of the most important crop genomes.

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Prolific Changes in the Human Genome in the Past 5,000 Years

Human populations have grown exponentially in the past 5,000 years, and new genetic mutations arise in each new generation. Humans have a vast abundance of rare genetic variants in the protein-encoding sections of the genome. A new study tries to clarify when many of these rare variants arose.

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Full Genome of Domestic Pig Will Benefit Farmers & Researchers

Scientists have finally been able to completely sequence the genome of a domestic pig, which will allow farmers to breed healthier and meatier pigs, as well as creating more faithful models of human disease.

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Whole-Genome Analysis Identifies the Source of a Recent MRSA Outbreak

In Cambridge, UK, there was a superbug outbreak at a special-care neonatal unit that lasted several months last year. Thanks to insights gained from whole-genome sequencing, the outbreak was stopped.

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