All Microbial Genomics articles
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NewsCHIKVdb: A comprehensive genomic resource for chikungunya virus surveillance and outbreak response
Scientists have developed the Chikungunya Virus Database (CHIKVdb), a comprehensive genomic resource. CHIKVdb integrates 8,193 nucleotide sequences and 10,637 protein sequences from five major host categories across 99 countries, spanning 40 years.
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NewsScientists reveal functional RNA splitting mechanism behind origin of Type V CRISPR systems
Researchers have uncovered the molecular innovation that led to the origin of Type V CRISPR-Cas immune systems. Their findings show that the functional splitting of transposon-derived RNAs was the critical innovation driving the emergence of Type V CRISPR-Cas immunity.
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NewsResearchers find a more precise way to edit the genome
A genome-editing technique known as prime editing holds potential for treating many diseases. However, the process carries a small chance of inserting errors that could be harmful - but researchers have now found a way to dramatically lower the error rate.
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NewsHow HIV enters the genome – researchers identify previously unknown mechanism
Researchers have decoded a previously unknown mechanism by which HIV-1 selects its integration targets in the human genome. A research team identified RNA:DNA hybrids (R-loops) as molecular signposts for the virus.
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NewsMethod probing dark matter uncovers hundreds of new bacteria, and two potential antibiotics
A new approach to exploring untapped soil resources circumvents the need to grow bacteria in the lab by extracting very large DNA fragments directly from soil to piece together the genomes of previously hidden microbes, and then mines resulting genomes for bioactive molecules.
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NewsHow plants rot: New method decodes hidden decomposers of wood and leaves
Researchers have developed a new method to identify the molecular tools that different species use to decompose dead plant material. Their analysis of over 18,000 species found that some invertebrates also evidently have a whole range of such tools at their disposal.
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NewsAncient viruses in human genomes offer new avenue for stopping cancers, autoimmune diseases, and more
Researchers have revealed the first three-dimensional structure of a protein from an ancient human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) found within the human genome.
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NewsNew genomic study reveals key drivers of strangles transmission in UK horses
A novel study has revealed new insights into how the highly contagious disease strangles spreads amongst horses in the UK. It marks a significant step forward in understanding how to more effectively manage and prevent outbreaks of this devastating equine disease.
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NewsAlign announces new collaboration with ATCC to bring AI-ready microbial datasets to life
The Align Foundation has announced a collaboration with ATCC to create the world’s largest public, AI-ready microbial phenotyping dataset.
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NewsHerpes virus plays interior designer with human DNA
Researchers have discovered the cold sore virus reshapes the human genome’s architecture, rearranging its shape in three-dimensional space so that HSV-1 can access host genes most useful for its ability to reproduce.
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FeaturesGenome sleuths: using DNA to trace the evolution of animal-to-human pathogens
Zoonotic spillovers have become a significant focus of global health, with outbreaks like SARS and COVID-19 underscoring how quickly these events can escalate into worldwide crises. Genomics is crucial in tracing the origins and predicting the emergence of zoonotic threats.
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News Ribosome profiling identifies thousands of new viral protein-coding sequences
With the help of a technique called Massively Parallel Ribosome Profiling (MPRP), scientists have identified more than 4000 open reading frames (ORFs) across 679 human-associated viral genomes.
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NewsActivating ‘jumping genes’ speeds up bacterial evolution from decades to weeks
Scientists have developed a system to control and accelerate the evolution of changes in the bacterial genome structure, targeting small ‘jumping genes’, or DNA sequences known as insertion sequences.
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NewsShaken and stirred: why Klebsiella pneumoniae strain 007 poses a deadly threat
A new study has uncovered the secrets of a particular strain of the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae, revealing a potentially deadly genetic capacity for both antimicrobial resistance and virulence.
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NewsHigh-density screening technique reveals key genes for biotechnology improvements
Scientists used a gene-silencing tool and molecular guides to probe how photosynthetic bacteria adapt to light and temperature changes, finding even partial suppression of certain genes yielded big benefits in modifying the stress response of wild microbes.
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NewsPoor oral health linked with body pain and migraines in women
A study showed that oral health, affected by the oral microbiome, has a direct link to musculoskeletal pain, including chronic migraines and headaches, as experienced by women with fibromyalgia.
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NewsResearchers design genetic tools to develop vaccines more efficiently for African swine fever virus (ASFV)
A synthetic genomic-based reverse genetics tool has been developed for African swine fever virus (ASFV) that helps vaccine development to reduce the economic losses. The system may also be adapted to other emerging viral threats.
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NewsNew study sheds light on how bacteria ‘vaccinate’ themselves with genetic material from dormant viruses
Scientists have gained understanding on how bacteria defend themselves from phages, through gaining “memories” from predecessor dormant phages. The study will inform new phage therapies for bacterial infections that confer resistance to antibiotics.
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NewsNew method uncovers dynamic microbial community in coastal sediments
Scientists utilises single celll genomics and cell staining approaches to investigate the respiratory rates and metabolic activities of the diverse microbial communities in low biomass aqautic environments, such as Maine’s coastal sediments.
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NewsFirst coronavirus similar to MERS is found in bats in South America
A novel coronavirus, which shares high genetic similarities with MERS-CoV, was identified in bats in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Experiments to find out whether it can infect humans are set to take place in collaboration with Hong Kong University.