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, Practicality
June 18, 2009
The President's Council on Bioethics was asked to disband last week. The group had been formed by former President Bush in November 2001 and, according to the New York Times, "it was designed by the Bush administration to be 'a philosophically leaning advisory group' that favored discussion over developing a shared consensus," quoting White House press officer Reid Cherlin. President Obama will reconstitute the council with a focus on "practical policy options," Cherlin says. Science Progress adds that "the President is reviewing options for a new council with a revised, policy-focused mandate, but there is currently no public word on a timeframe."
