Genomes Content

Genome Study Shows Recent Spread of Eelgrass

Andy Fell — July 21, 2023 - 10:52am

A study of eelgrass DNA shows that this important coastal plant spread from the Pacific to the Atlantic much later than thought. A lack of genetic diversity could make this key species more vulnerable to climate change.

From Sheep and Cattle to Giraffes, Genome Study Reveals Evolution of Ruminants

Andy Fell — June 21, 2019 - 12:44pm

A team of researchers has carried out a detailed study of the genomes of ruminants, giving new insight into their evolution and success.

Ruminants including deer and antelope, as well as sheep, goats, cattle and their wild relatives, have thrived in many ecosystems around the globe. They range in size from the tiny lesser mouse deer of Malaysia to the towering African giraffe.

Coast Redwood and Giant Sequoia Mega-Genomes Sequenced

Katherine E Kerlin — April 23, 2019 - 3:12pm

Scientists have successfully sequenced the coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes, completing the first major milestone of a five-year project to develop the tools necessary to study these forests’ genomic diversity. The research partners, composed of the University of California, Davis, Johns Hopkins University and the Save the Redwoods League, are making the data publicly available today.

International Consortium Officially Launches Earth BioGenome Project in London

Andy Fell — November 02, 2018 - 9:13am

Key scientific partners and funders from around the globe gathered in London yesterday (Nov. 1) to officially launch the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), a global effort to sequence the genetic code of all the planet’s eukaryotes — some 1.5 million known species, including all plants, animals, protozoa and fungi.

Earth BioGenome Project to Sequence All Life

Andy Fell — January 23, 2018 - 10:12am

In an effort to protect and preserve the Earth’s biodiversity and kick-start an inclusive bio-economy, the World Economic Forum today announced a landmark partnership between the Earth BioGenome Project, chaired by Harris Lewin, distinguished professor at �°��ϲ��Ļ��Ϣ Davis, and the Earth Bank of Codes to map the DNA of all life on Earth.

How a Genetic Mutation From 1 Bull Caused the Loss of Half a Million Calves Worldwide

Andy Fell — October 13, 2016 - 9:34am

Pawnee Farm Arlinda Chief was one of the most prolific bulls in the history of Holstein cattle breeding — but he also introduced a lethal gene into the population, responsible for an estimated half million spontaneous abortions worldwide. Now researchers at �°��ϲ��Ļ��Ϣ Davis and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have identified the mutation responsible, enabling ranchers to test for and avoid it.

Essential Mouse Genes Could Guide Human Precision Medicine

Andy Fell — September 14, 2016 - 3:03pm

About one-third of 1751 genes studied in the first comprehensive survey of the mouse genome are essential to life, according to research by an international collaboration including the �°��ϲ��Ļ��Ϣ Davis Mouse Biology Program. Mutations of these genes cause death at the embryo stage. Many of them have counterparts in the human genome, so understanding why these genes are so vital could help prioritize human genes for study.