Genomics Aotearoa

Science Horror-scopes: March

Peter Dearden • Mar 16, 2011

• Science Horror-scopes

After a quiet spell over summer, the Southern Genes blog is back! We have a few ideas for new regular posts up our sleeves, so stay tuned. Also, if there’s any genetics related stuff that YOU’D like us to write about, please let us know at go.blog@otago.ac.nz. We’re going to kick the year off with those always cheerful horror-scopes from … Read More

The $10,000 Human Genome

Peter Dearden • Dec 10, 2010

• genome sequencing,
• Mary Gray

Mary Gray, PhD Student, Clinical Genetics Research Group The Human Genome Project began in 1990 and took 13 years and at least $3 billion USD to complete. A biotechnology company called Illumina has recently announced that you can sequence your own genome for $10,000 USD – and it will only take around eight days to complete. The costs of … Read More

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Interview with a Science Communicator: Gillian McKay

Peter Dearden • Dec 07, 2010

• Science careers,
• science communication,
• SM Morgan

SM Morgan This week I have an interview with Gillian MacKay — the lovely Genetics Teaching Fellow at the University of Otago. Gillian has been with Genetics now for about 5 years, and does a job which is both highly varied and high in student … Read More

This Week in Science History: 6-12-10

Peter Dearden • Dec 06, 2010

• science history,
• Tamsin Jones

Tamsin Jones, Laboratory for Evolution and Development ’In the fields of observation chance favours only the prepared mind’: 7th December 1854. Louis Pasteur ’In the fields of observation chance favours only the prepared mind’. Louis Pasteur first said this now famous phrase at a lecture on the 7th … Read More

Science Horror-scopes: December

Peter Dearden • Dec 03, 2010

• Science Horror-scopes

By Doc. Chaos I see spring cleaning in your future — lab stylz. Yeah, that means cleaning 10 years worth of baked-on agarose out of the microwave. I know the specific date — but won’t tell, we don’t want you to turn up mysteriously sick that day do we? . Read More

Phishing Flowers

Peter Dearden • Dec 02, 2010

• SM Morgan

SM Morgan It is surprising how often technology mimics nature, and in the most subtle of ways. Take for example the phenomenon of email phishing — a probe is sent out to entice the recipient with something they want/need; for example, a MillionDollars!, an OnlineEasyDoctorate! or a ready supply of CheapDrugs! Once enticed, the source gets something it needs … Read More

Congratulations!

Peter Dearden • Nov 19, 2010

• awards

Belatedly Genetics Otago would like to congratulate three GO members who won awards at the recent NZ Research Honours Evening. Prof Warren Tate won the Rutherford Medal for his outstanding work … Read More

This Week in Science History: 1-11-10

Peter Dearden • Nov 04, 2010

• Megan Leask,
• science history

Megan Leask, PhD Student, Laboratory for Evolution and Development Polio Virus is Crystallized — 1955 In 1955, on the 2nd of November American sciemtists Carlton Schwerdt and F.L. Schaffer crystallized the polio virus. This was the first animal virus to be obtained in crystalline form. (The first plant … Read More

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Science Horror-scopes: November

Peter Dearden • Nov 01, 2010

• Science Horror-scopes

By Doc. Chaos You will find out 50% of your genes have been mislabelled: you have actually been cloning the ‘pig head’ region of the genome. Not at all related to your work really. What a waste of time! . . Your supervisor/boss … Read More

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Interview with a Science Communicator – Sophia McKay

Peter Dearden • Oct 28, 2010

• science communication,
• SM Morgan

By SM Morgan. This week I have something exciting in store — a non-science person answers my multitude of questions. Camera shy Sophia, hard at work in her office. Sophia McKay is currently the publicity manager for Genetics Otago (GO) and has been with us now for almost 2 years. Read More