Genomics Aotearoa • Apr 05, 2019 •
Peter Dearden Sequencing is an essential part of creating a genome, be it human, stick insect, kākāpō or sheep (all genomes Genomics Aotearoa is currently working on). But what is sequencing, how does it work, and why does it take so long? And why does it matter to us? Sequencing is a laboratory process where segments of DNA base pairs … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Nov 21, 2013 •
Two-time Nobel Prize winner and pioneer of techniques that brought on modern biology, Frederick Sanger, died yesterday, aged 95. His DNA and protein sequencing techniques are early steps to the world of high-speed DNA sequencing we have today, with whole genomes reported frequently and diagnosis of genetic components of disease, to mention just two applications. Knowing the … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Mar 22, 2012 •
Powerful DNA sequencing technology gets a lot of attention and the amount of DNA sequence data pouring out these days is impressive (and is set to rise further). So where are these devices? There’s an interactive map of where they all are on omics.com: Click on each blue location marker for details … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Feb 18, 2012 •
This has to be the bioinformatics and genomics news of the day. Genome sequencing typically features expensive big boxes connected to powerful workstations. Here’s something the size of USB stick that is set to sell for between $US500-900. How long until DNA sequencing is commonplace? There’s so much … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Sep 18, 2011 •
In this short (11 minute) TEDxBoston lecture Dr. Richard Resnick gives the hard sell on widespread genome sequencing. [embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8bsCiq6hvM[/embed] A few quick pointers or thoughts from my viewing of it: … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Aug 04, 2010 •
A recent paper argues for the need to preserve the gut microbes found in ancient rural populations. We talk about preserving rare species, sometimes arguing that they might have medicinal value. Some species produce different types of venom, that when applied properly can have medicinal uses. Certain … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Jul 06, 2010 •
We all have our lumps, the quirky features we develop with time. Some of these are bone spurs, extra growths of bone. These can be caused from damage to joints, like the lumpy joints seen in elderly people with arthritis. Bone spurs from differing causes can develop in many parts of the body, spine, … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Mar 30, 2010 •
Myriad Genetics face a judicial ruling against their patent of the BRAC1 and BRAC2 genes. Solution structure ensemble of BRCA1/BARD1 RING domain heterodimer. Brzovic, Rajagopal, Hoyt, King and Klevit Nat. Struct. Biol. 8:833 (2001) (Source: PDB.) Judge Sweet presented this as to centre around the issue, Are isolated human genes and the comparison of their … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Mar 09, 2010 •
The past fifty years has seen the rise of molecular biology. Many museums have little to represent molecular biology and it’s impact on medicine, perhaps because the objects studied in molecular biology are usually visualised indirectly, whereas museum visitors traditionally go to view objects with their own eyes. [caption id="attachment_1573" align="alignright" width="350"] Canterbury Museum, Christchurch, New Zealand. Note … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Dec 15, 2009 •
Otago University’s sequencing facility will be hosting a two-day workshop, The Researchers Guide to Next Generation Sequencing, February 11-12th 2010. Places are limited to 20 and cost only $NZ100. Applications close 7th January. Be in quick! More details about how to apply for the workshop on their website or their flyer (below). The flyer may … Read More