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.
Ah, Grant Review
February 09, 2010
Have strong feelings on the NIH grant review process? Well, here's your chance to sound off and vent your frustrations with a reader poll over at DrugMonkey's place. The purpose of the poll is to determine whether the number of summary statements and the review service changes the way researchers view the alleged flaws in the review process. If you've got a bone to pick because, for example, a really high percentage of your applications have received seriously flawed reviews, let your voice be heard so that maybe, just maybe, things might be better for the next generation of investigators.
