Of Vulgarity and Vineyards

Profanity Protest

I am appalled to see that you have printed the words “holy shit” and “wet dream” in Genome Technology (“The Missing Lynx,” April 2001). This is very unprofessional!
Jeana Yates, candidate for MS in biotechnology, Northwestern University

Grape Growers’ Goodwill

We are writing to you regarding “Monster Sequencing Show” (April 2001). We agree with you wholeheartedly that the Brazilian sequencing efforts are impressive. The US Department of Agriculture, the American Vineyard Foundation, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture cooperatively funded the sequencing and annotation project for a grape strain of Xylella fastidiosa.

[But] the article said, “The São Paulo scientists claim they beat out the US’s own Joint Genome Institute for the contract.” This is incorrect. This project was never sent out to bid and was never viewed as a competition. JGI’s interests lie in the high-throughput aspects of the genomes of Xf strains, not in the annotation of the genome sequence information. JGI has been a fantastic resource and we will continue to partner with them on other programs. In addition, the Brazilian genome sequencing and annotation efforts fit nicely with increasing our understanding of the structure and function of the genomes of several Xf strains.

We do not want to create a counterproductive atmosphere among the groups involved in the Xf sequencing efforts. We have worked hard at bringing together the top scientists from around the world to develop research collaborations to minimize research duplication. In December, Andrew Simpson, from Brazil, a number of his scientists and AVF, USDA, and University of California representatives came together at JGI’s facility to discuss possible collaborative projects. All participants were encouraged by the interaction.
Ed Civerolo, Crops Pathology and Genetics Research Unit USDA-ARS
Patrick Gleeson, Executive Director, American Vineyard Foundation

Your Thoughts?

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