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.
A Good Surprise
November 04, 2009
Toronto's The Star speaks with Shinya Yamanaka who recently received the 2009 Canada Gairdner Award for his work on induced pluripotent stem cells. In it, Yamanaka recounts how surprised they were when their method worked. "We thought it would be much more difficult. But as it turns out, all we need are four factors," he says. Yamanaka will also be collaborating with University of Toronto researchers on iPS work.
Alex Palazzo at Transcription and Translation points out other articles featuring Yamanaka and wonders if he is the "George Clooney of science."
