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New Research Sheds Light on Diversity in the Deep Sea

The bacteria, archaea and other microorganisms of the microbial communities around hydrothermal vents survive in very hot, high-pressure and chemically-rich ecosystems. This means they hold clues for understanding how life thrives in extreme environments. [Read More]

JGI at 25: Expanding Metagenomics to Capture Viral Diversity

Since 2016, the JGI has leveraged their work as pioneers in metagenomics to boost understanding of environmental viruses. At the time, the JGI expanded its existing Integrated Microbial Genomes & Microbiomes database to include a dedicated section for viruses; the latest release of IMG/VR currently features over 15 million viral genomes. [Read More]

Genome Insider S3 Episode 5: Work With the JGI! Tips for a Winning CSP Proposal

The JGI’s Community Science Program gives researchers access to all kinds of sequencing, ‘omics and bioinformatics capabilities — and it’s open to scientists at any career stage, anywhere in the world, for free. We accept new projects related to energy and the environment several times a year. A few proposal calls have deadlines coming up – in January, March, and later on in the spring. In this episode, hear proposal tips from Tanja Woyke, who runs user programs at the JGI, and project manager Miranda Harmon-Smith, who helps shepherd CSP projects along. [Read More]

Virus Discoveries that Keep Getting Bigger

In the last 30 years, in environments all over the world, scientists have discovered giants among viruses. A new review provides a perspective on how culturing techniques, sequencing and bioinformatics have all broadened the study of giant viruses. [Read More]

Genome Insider S3 Episode 4: From Sample Shipments to Sequences – A Tour of the JGI’s Sequencing Pipeline

Every year, the JGI sequences around 35,000 samples — from plants, algae, bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses — to support scientists around the world. Most of those researchers send their samples in from afar, without ever hearing much about the sequencing lab. So today, Chris Daum walks through the JGI’s sequencing pipeline, where there are freezers with names — but not doors — and robots handle a bunch of benchwork. [Read More]