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.
Gizmos Galore
November 05, 2009
At TEDMED, Craig Venter "made a convincing argument" that studying the genes from the aquatic microbes he found during his time at sea could led to new medications, says Wired Science. As all those microbe fight each other off with various chemicals, Venter estimates that 10,000 antibiotics could be discovered in the ocean. Scripps' Eric Topol demonstrated the use of different wireless medical devices, including the Corventis PiiX that monitored his vital signs, which were then projected onto the overhead screen. Also, Wired says that Harvard's David Sinclair presented "solid evidence" that, in mice, resveratrol provides the same affects as a low-calorie diet, but without the diet.
