A genetic element that generates targeted mutations, called diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs), are found in viruses, as well as bacteria and archaea. Most DGRs found in viruses appear to be in their tail fibers. These tail fibers – signified in the cartoon by the blue virus’ downward pointing ‘arms’— allow the virus to attach to one cell type (red), but not the other (purple). DGRs mutate these ‘arms,’ giving the virus opportunities to switch to different prey, like the purple cell. (Courtesy of Blair Paul)

June 25, 2021

A Natural Mechanism Can Turbocharge Viral Evolution

A genetic element that enables rapid, targeted mutation is surprisingly widespread and appears to allow viruses to hunt new microbial prey. [Read More]

Algae growing in a bioreactor. (Dennis Schroeder, NREL)

June 3, 2021

Refining the Process of Identifying Algae Biotechnology Candidates

A collaborative approach highlights how a screening and characterization pipeline could help accelerate algae biotechnology research efforts. [Read More]

The study site in the coniferous forest located in the Bohemian Forest National Park, Czech Republic. (Petr Baldrian)

April 30, 2021

Bacteria and Fungi Divvy Up the Work in Forest Floor

While thousands of species of fungi and bacteria dwell on — and within — the forest floor, who’s recycling the plant biomass? [Read More]

Rapid technological advances in genomics have transformed modern biology. From its inception, the Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has been at the forefront of large-scale sequence-based science.

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