RNA sequencing potent tool for understanding gene expression
11 March, 2010 by Tim DeanTwo studies in Nature show the power of RNA sequencing in exploring the genetic mechanisms that underpin gene expression.
Genome sequence of whole family reveals surprises
11 March, 2010 by Staff WritersFamily of four had genome sequenced revealing intergenerational mutation rate and genes for Miller syndrome.
Lorne special: Tracking recent human evolution
17 February, 2010 by Tim DeanA new test aims to reveal the influence of natural selection on the human genome, possibly revealing mutations that lend resistance to disease.
Feature: Epigenetics helps plants weather winter
15 January, 2010 by Fiona WylieHow do plants ‘know’ when to begin flowering in spring? Dr Jean Finnegan of the CSIRO explores the epigenetic mechanisms that help flowering plants weather the winter.
Soybean genome sequenced
14 January, 2010 by Tim DeanComplete genome expected to lead to improved strains of this vital economic crop.
Feature: Blending ‘omics in the wine glass
12 January, 2010 by Tim DeanWinemaking is a practice steeped in tradition, but it’s about to be brought in to the 21st century through an ambitious systems biology project that will also have ramifications for the broader life science community.
Feature: How we got our big brains
08 January, 2010 by Graeme O'NeillAround two million years ago, the human brain began to increase in size. James Sikela’s team has linked the expansion to a specific protein domain, DUF1220.
Feature: Origins of life
04 January, 2010 by Graeme O'NeillIt now seems quite likely that life began with self-replicating RNA molecules. But under what conditions? New Zealand theoretical biologist David Penny is warming to the idea of a cold start.
Feature: Nature or Nurture? Neither!
29 December, 2009 by Fiona WylieIt’s an age old debate: nature or nurture. But as Emma Whitelaw is finding, our individual differences may be due to neither, they might be down to dumb luck.
Feature: Illuminating coral
18 December, 2009 by Tim DeanThe coral genome project is underway, powered by Illumina’s latest Genome Analyzer IIx technology. David Miller from James Cook University hopes it will help save the coral from the blight of bleaching.
Opinion special: Gene patenting
15 December, 2009 by Staff WritersIan Olver, CEO of Cancer Council Australia, and Trevor Davies, of the Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia, debate the merits and dangers of gene patents.
Recombinant proteins facility opens in Victoria
07 December, 2009 by Tim Dean$11.2 million Victorian Recombinant Proteins Feeder Facility opens at Monash University.
Sequencing an entire Pacific island
04 December, 2009 by Staff WritersU.S. researchers are aiming to inventory the DNA of every living thing on a French Polynesian island.
Gene patent inquiry delayed
30 November, 2009 by Tim DeanSenate inquiry on gene patents now to report in March 2010.
Feature: Another dimension in protein interaction
16 November, 2009 by Tim DeanVisualising the interactome isn't easy. But now Marc Wilkins and his team have developed a new tool, The Interactorium, that enables protein interactions to be visualised – all in stunning 3D.
