A new approach for improving functional annotation in fungal genomes. The Science In a proof-of-concept study, researchers demonstrated that a new genetic mapping strategy called RH-Seq can identify genes that promote heat resistance in the brewer’s/baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, allowing this species to grow better than its closest relative S. paradoxus at high temperatures (39°C/102°F)…. [Read More]

Sorghum genome serves as a reference for the highly complex sugarcane genome. The Science Most species are diploids and have two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. In contrast, many crops have multiple sets of chromosomes (they are “polyploid”) and their complex genomes are more difficult to sequence and assemble, in turn limiting the… [Read More]

Analysis of haloarchaeal metagenomes broadens understanding of Antarctic biogeography. The Science Haloarchaea flourish in hypersaline environments, and researchers are interested in learning how these microbes have learned to adapt from marine to hypersaline conditions by studying the microbial communities in Antarctic lakes, some of which have salinities 10 times that of seawater. To shed light… [Read More]

Genome annotations of two C. citriodora subspecies broaden understanding of the terpene synthase gene family across eucalypt lineages. The Science From the distinct smell of eucalyptus to the flavor of wine, terpenes are ubiquitous. A diverse group of plant-produced organic compounds, terpenes play key roles in plant growth, defense, and environmental interactions. Terpenes are also… [Read More]

Newly developed chemiluminescent biosensors shed light on how bacteria function and colonize diverse environments. The Science Cyclic di-GMP (Guanine Monophosphate) is found in nearly all types of bacteria and interacts with cell signaling networks that control many basic cellular functions. It plays an important role in regulating microbial cellulose production and biofilm formation, which affects… [Read More]

Sphagnome data would enable researchers’ insights on their potential carbon cycling impact. The Science Enabled by the JGI’s Community Science Program (CSP), researchers are developing a number of resources to build up Sphagnum as a plant model system focused on carbon cycling studies, rather than for food or fuel applications. The Impact Sphagnum’s impact on… [Read More]

Developing and validating an integrated approach to genome recovery from metagenomes. The Science Through the JGI’s Emerging Technologies Opportunity Program (ETOP), researchers have developed and improved upon a tool that combines existing DNA sequence binning algorithms, allowing them to reconstruct more near-complete genomes from soil metagenomes compared to other methods. The Impact Understanding how individual… [Read More]

Novel archaeal lineage found in Yellowstone may have been important in early Earth conditions. The Science Through a combination of sequencing tools and techniques applied to samples collected from acidic iron-oxide microbial mats in Yellowstone National Park over time, researchers have discovered and characterized a novel phylum-level lineage of archaea with at least two major… [Read More]

Retracing how the dry rot Serpula lacrymans adapted to a new ecological habitat. The Science By comparing genetic information from similar organisms, researchers have gained insights on why the dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) is so destructive in houses. A study involving six brown rot fungi reveals the genomic changes Serpula lacrymans has undergone in adapting… [Read More]

A fungus relies on bacteria to regulate key components of its reproductive machinery The Science To better understand how beneficial organisms (symbionts) are transmitted between host generations, researchers investigated the role that bacteria living within a host (endosymbionts) have on fungal host reproduction, and the reproductive genes they regulate. The bacterial endosymbiont, Burkholderia, is recognized… [Read More]