The Alliance for Genomic Discovery announces founding biopharma members: AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bayer and Merck

Illumina Inc., a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, in collaboration with Nashville Biosciences LLC, a leading clinical and genomic data company and wholly owned subsidiary of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, today announced the five founding new members of the Alliance for Genomic Discovery (AGD).

UNLV Study Sheds Light on Ancient Microbial Dark Matter

Omnitrophota are nano-sized bacteria first discovered 25 years ago. Though common in many environments around the world, until now they’ve been poorly understood. An international research team produced the first large-scale analysis of Omnitrophota genomes, uncovering new details about their biology and behavior. The team’s findings are reported in the March 16 issue of the journal Nature Microbiology.

Global Experts Introduce Strategic Action Plan to Accelerate Patient Access to Next-Generation DNA Sequencing in Oncology

Value & Outcomes Spotlight, the health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) news magazine of ISPOR—The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, announced the publication of a supplement, “A Plan of Action: Accelerating Patient Access to Next-Generation Sequencing in Oncology.”

Genotyping Reveals Significance of Mesophotic Reefs for Florida Keys’ Coral Recovery

Researchers are the first to compare the genetic structure and genomic diversity of paired shallow and upper mesophotic coral sites in the Northern and Southern Dry Tortugas and the Lower and Upper Florida Keys. Results suggest that while vertical connectivity between paired shallow and mesophotic populations can vary, certain mesophotic coral populations are important for maintaining the long-term survival of this ecologically important coral species throughout the Florida Keys and should be considered in future management strategies.

Overfishing of Atlantic Cod Likely Did Not Cause Genetic Changes

Overfishing likely did not cause the Atlantic cod, an iconic species, to evolve genetically and mature earlier, according to a study led by Rutgers University and the University of Oslo – the first of its kind – with major implications for ocean conservation.

Small Mutations Identified through Deep DNA Sequencing for AML and MDS

Deep DNA sequencing analysis conducted by Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey investigators examining genomic differences within tumors for prediction of disease relapse in certain hematologic malignancies has identified small mutations. These may help further guide treatment decision making for patients.

NEW TWIST ON CRISPR TECHNOLOGY

Researchers at the University of Delaware, using the revolutionary new genetic technology known as CRISPR/Cas9 have found a way to improve the efficiency and precision of the way enzymes work together to produce certain biochemical reactions in cells. Their new application essentially creates a dynamic assembly line that can lead to advances in pharmaceuticals, agriculture and biofuels.