Where coronavirus variants emerge, surges follow – new research suggests how genomic surveillance can be an early warning system

By merging genomics with classical epidemiology, researchers are able to predict new disease outbreaks based on which viral variants are on the rise.

Darwin Bandoy, Ph.D. Student in Integrative Pathobiology, University of California, Davis • conversation
May 5, 2021 • ~8 min

Quest for error-free genomes begins with this rare bird

New findings from the Vertebrate Genomes Study offer some hope for endangered species like the kakapo and vaquita. And that's just the start.

LaTina Emerson-Georgia State • futurity
April 29, 2021 • ~8 min

From bioweapons to super soldiers: how the UK is joining the genomic technology arms race

There are signs that UK will be bolder and less accountable in its genetic defence research than many other countries.

Yusef Paolo Rabiah, PhD Candidate at Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy, UCL • conversation
April 29, 2021 • ~6 min

Should hormones get universal names across species?

Scientists advocate for cleaning up troublesome jargon by applying new standard nomenclature for the hormones known as oxytocin and vasopressin in humans.

Katherine Fenz-Rockefeller • futurity
April 29, 2021 • ~8 min

Environmental DNA – how a tool used to detect endangered wildlife ended up helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic

Technology that can identify stray bits of genetic material in the environment can help scientists monitor human and animal health.

Liam Whitmore, PhD Candidate, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick • conversation
April 21, 2021 • ~8 min

Scientists are on a path to sequencing 1 million human genomes and use big data to unlock genetic secrets

The first full human genome was sequenced 20 years ago. Now, a project is underway to sequence 1 million genomes to better understand the complex relationship between genetics, diversity and disease.

Xavier Bofill De Ros, Research Fellow in RNA biology, National Institutes of Health • conversation
April 15, 2021 • ~8 min

We studied the DNA of African and Asian leopards and found big differences between the two

We studied the genomes of African and Asian leopards using specimens from natural history museums.

Johanna L.A. Paijmans, Honorary Fellow, Palaeontology, University of Leicester • conversation
April 12, 2021 • ~7 min

Viking DNA and the pitfalls of genetic ancestry tests

Genetic ancestry tests may sound like a bit of fun, but in an era marked by increasing xenophobia, it's important to be aware of the interplay between genetics and ideas of race.

Daniel Strand, Ph.D. in History of Ideas at Centre for Multidisciplinary Studies on Racism, Uppsala University • conversation
April 9, 2021 • ~6 min

Genomic surveillance: What it is and why we need more of it to track coronavirus variants and help end the COVID-19 pandemic

The US lags in testing coronavirus samples from COVID-19 patients, which can help track the spread of the virus and the emergence of new variants. But labs are ramping up this crucial surveillance.

Vaughn Cooper, EvolvingSTEM Founder and Executive Director; Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
March 31, 2021 • ~10 min

Genomic surveillance: What it is and why we need more of it to track the coronavirus and help end the COVID-19 pandemic

The US lags in testing coronavirus samples from COVID-19 patients, which can help track the spread of the virus and the emergence of new variants. But labs are ramping up this crucial surveillance.

Vaughn Cooper, EvolvingSTEM Founder and Executive Director; Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
March 31, 2021 • ~10 min

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