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.
Q&A: Large-scale Study Explores Protein Changes that Persist in Cocaine Use, Even After Long Periods of Abstinence
The protein changes that don't appear to reset to pre-usage levels may "contribute to the persistent relapse potential that occurs in response to cocaine abstinence" and may be a target for research into developing therapies to combat relapse, the authors wrote.
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