Sequencing and Analysis of the Hydra Genome
Chapman, Kirkness et al., Nature
An international research collaboration reports their sequencing and analysis of the Hydra magnipapillata genome, and compare it to the genomes of several other organisms. "The Hydra genome has been shaped by bursts of transposable element expansion, horizontal gene transfer, trans-splicing, and simplification of gene structure and gene content that parallel simplification of the Hydra life cycle," the authors write. They team suggests that comparisons of the Hydra genome to the reported sequences of other animals have helped them to elucidate the evolution of several of the organism's characteristics.
After Figuring Out the Definition of "Is," They Now Tackle "Certified"
May 11, 2009
The US stimulus bill included a provision to fund hospitals and doctors to switch to electronic health records, though the language of the bill (PDF) says the funds will be for the "meaningful use of certified" electronic health record systems. The Wall Street Journal's Health Blog says that guidances should be coming soon on what the terms "meaningful use" and "certified" actually mean. "Meaningful use is very much on our mind," David Blumenthal, the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, says. "We hope to provide a direction and some specifications in the late spring, early summer."
