MUMGF launches PacBio Sequel IIe System
Reading Time: 2 minutesMONASH University Malaysia Genomics Facility (MUMGF), an ISO 9001 certified infrastructure platform, under the School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, officially launched its new PacBio Sequel IIe System, the first and only system of its kind in Malaysia. The instrument is a long-read sequencer that can sequence up to 25,000 contiguous bases with 99.9% accuracy. […]
Genomic analysis reveals many animal species may be vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection
Reading Time: 2 minutesHUMANS are not the only species facing a potential threat from SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, according to a new study from the University of California, Davis. An international team of scientists used genomic analysis to compare the main cellular receptor for the virus in humans — angiotensin converting enzyme-2, or ACE2 — […]
Researcher establishes CRISPR-Cas12b system for plant genome engineering
Reading Time: < 1 minuteMOST people who know CRISPR think of CRISPR-Cas9. However, Yiping Qi and colleagues from the University of Maryland are constantly exploring new CRISPR tools that are more effective, efficient, and sophisticated for different crop applications to help fight diseases, pests, and the effects of a changing climate. Qi and his lab have established a new […]
New way to chart human genome
Reading Time: 3 minutesIN SEARCH of new ways to sequence human genomes and read critical alterations in DNA, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine say they have successfully used the gene cutting tool CRISPR to make cuts in DNA around lengthy tumor genes, which can be used to collect sequence information. A report on the proof-of-principle experiments using genomes […]
International consortium sequences canola
Reading Time: < 1 minuteAN INTERNATIONAL consortium of key academic and global seed company leaders from the USA, Canada, Europe, and Israel has successfully sequenced the canola genome. The consortium, led by Dr. Isobel Parkin, research scientist from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), and Dr. Andrew Sharpe, director of genomics and bioinformatics from the Global Institute for Food Security […]
Edging closer towards HIV vaccine
Reading Time: 2 minutesRESEARCHERS in Hong Kong and the United States have identified potential weak spots in the part of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) genome that codes for proteins that help the virus attach to human cells. The team used a machine learning approach to make the finding, which could help guide vaccine development. More than 31 […]
S’poreans genomed!
Reading Time: 3 minutesSINGAPORE – A new genetic databank has been established containing the completed whole-genome sequencing data of close to 5,000 Singaporeans. Whole-genome sequencing is increasingly used in research and healthcare to identify genetic variations using cutting-edge technologies that allow large numbers of individuals to be sequenced rapidly. This new study is the world’s largest analysis of […]
Scientists highlight responsible advancement, safe use of synthetic biology
Reading Time: 2 minutesA TEAM of scientists published a policy forum article on the technological challenges of milestones when writing about genomes. The article focuses on identifying what technological advances are needed to secure the continuously changing field of synthetic biology. The authors also highlighted the need to keep its implementation safe and responsible. The 21 scientists from […]
Secrets to insect adaption to climate change discovered in moth
Reading Time: 3 minutesA TEAM of biologists led by Tufts University has found two genes that may permit some insect species to survive climate change by adjusting their biological annual clocks while others succumb. The ability to synchronise behavioral, morphological and other transitions with the seasons is integral to the life cycle of most insects. In the study […]
Large-scale genomics for wheat improvement
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIMPROVING bread wheat using genomic tools is vital in speeding up development of varieties with enhanced traits. Thus, Carlos Guzman from the International Maize And Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and other genetics experts used large scale genomics and looked into the validity of genomic selection to improve wheat with less field work and less lab […]