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Orange and blue spring with steam rising
Archaea Sport Structures that Shuttle Genes Among Microbes
Researchers find so-called integrons, previously known only in bacteria, in their distantly related microbial relatives. 
Archaea Sport Structures that Shuttle Genes Among Microbes
Archaea Sport Structures that Shuttle Genes Among Microbes

Researchers find so-called integrons, previously known only in bacteria, in their distantly related microbial relatives. 

Researchers find so-called integrons, previously known only in bacteria, in their distantly related microbial relatives. 

genome sequence

A tropical angelfish 
Genome Spotlight: Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Oct 27, 2022 | 4 min read
A high school student uses crowdfunding to produce the first genome assembly for this popular aquarium species, underscoring the increasing feasibility of whole-genome sequencing.
A C-fern (Ceratopteris richardii) growing in a pot
Genome Spotlight: C-fern (Ceratopteris richardii)
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Sep 22, 2022 | 5 min read
Sequences for the model organism and two of its kin reveal how these plants got their oversized genomes.
An Edith’s checkerspot butterfly
Genome Spotlight: Edith’s Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha)
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Aug 25, 2022 | 3 min read
A high-quality genome sequence for this versatile insect will likely aid eco-evolutionary research.
A desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) on sand
Genome Spotlight: Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria)
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Jul 21, 2022 | 4 min read
A chromosome-scale genome sequence for this infamous agricultural pest could help mitigate its plagues.
a black abalone on a rock
Genome Spotlight: Black Abalone (Haliotis cracherodii)
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Jun 23, 2022 | 3 min read
The researchers who constructed the first reference genome for this critically endangered mollusk say it will assist restoration efforts.
A drawing portraying the black silhouette of Pompeii buildings with Mount Vesuvius and the sky behind them
First Human Genome Sequenced from Ancient Pompeii
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | May 26, 2022 | 4 min read
The genome is from a male who was likely in his late thirties when the historic Mount Vesuvius eruption occurred. The analyses suggest he is related to the diverse Imperial Roman population of the time, and that he may have suffered from spinal tuberculosis.
a giant isopod in an aquarium
Genome Spotlight: Giant Isopod (Bathynomus jamesi)
Christie Wilcox, PhD | May 26, 2022 | 3 min read
The first high-quality genome for a marine isopod may shed light on how this group of crustaceans adapted to the deep, dark depths of the ocean.
A tubifer cardinalfish
Genome Spotlight: Tubifer cardinalfish (Siphamia tubifer)
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Apr 28, 2022 | 3 min read
These tiny reef fish harbor luminous bacteria, and the chromosome-level assembly of the species’ genome may facilitate the duo’s use as a vertebrate model for symbiosis.
A scientific illustration of a Christmas Island rat
Genome Spotlight: Christmas Island Rat (Rattus macleari)
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Mar 24, 2022 | 4 min read
The near-complete genome of a recently extinct rodent elucidates the potential—and difficulties—of resurrecting species.
A fresh, peeled lychee fruit held above a harvest of fresh lychees
Genome Spotlight: Lychee (Litchi chinensis)
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Jan 27, 2022 | 3 min read
Whole genome sequences reveal multiple domestications of this agriculturally important tree and may hold the secrets to producing the sweet fruit year round.
Invasive <em>Phragmites australis</em> in North Carolina's Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Genome Spotlight: Common Reed (Phragmites australis)
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Dec 23, 2021 | 3 min read
The first reference-quality genome for this grass species could aid managers in understanding and eradicating this highly invasive plant.
a smiling woman standing between a much taller man and woman
Protein Size Matters
David Adam | Sep 23, 2021 | 3 min read
A study probes how genetic duplications that can swell protein length influence human traits such as height and kidney function.
Blue-toned illustration of the DNA double helix, with additional DNA strands in the background
Nearly Complete Human Genome Sequenced
Jef Akst | Jun 8, 2021 | 2 min read
In a preprint, researchers fill in some of the holes left in the first draft of the human genetic code, published at the turn of the century.
Image of the Day: Seaweed Sequence
Sukanya Charuchandra | Sep 17, 2018 | 1 min read
The genome of Ulva mutabilis is the first of a green seaweed to be sequenced.
Plant Engineered to Produce Higher Levels of Antimalarial Compound
Catherine Offord | Apr 25, 2018 | 2 min read
Researchers used the genome sequence of Artemisia annua to boost the plant’s production of artemisinin.
The Genetics of Human Height
Jef Akst | Feb 2, 2017 | 2 min read
Researchers can now explain more than a quarter of the variability in human stature.
iPSCs and Cancer Risk
Catherine Offord | Feb 24, 2016 | 1 min read
Reprogramming adult human cells into stem cells in vitro does not generate harmful mutations, scientists report.
Online Platforms to Share Medical Data Launch
Jenny Rood | Apr 1, 2015 | 2 min read
The “Genes for Good” Facebook app and the Open Humans Network plan to recruit large numbers of volunteers for medical studies using social media.
360-Degree View of the Tomato
Anna Azvolinsky | Oct 12, 2014 | 4 min read
Researchers have sequenced 360 varieties of the tomato plant to create a comprehensive map of the evolution of the fruit from its wild form to the modern varieties. 
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