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.
Hamlet's Other Question
February 10, 2010
At her blog, Dr. Shellie wonders whether she should go through long derivations while teaching a graduate-level class this semester. She has been trying to find a balance between emphasizing concepts and rigorous derivations, especially as students tend to get lost following all the algebra. "I am also trying to encourage student thinking and participation during class. This tends to tilt things toward the hand-wavy side, as more student participation = fewer lines of algebra on the chalkboard," she adds.
