Congratulations to the dozen JGI scientists recognized by Clarivate Analytics for being on the 2020 Highly Cited Researchers list!
How Maize Makes An Antibiotic Cocktail
Maize produces a family of compounds that protects it against infections — using surprisingly few enzymes. The Science Maize (Zea mays) produces a plethora of antibiotics called zealexins. Even though scientists have identified at least 15 zealexins, they suspect there are even more to find. Zealexins are produced in every corn variety and protect maize…
Tanja Woyke Awarded van Niel International Prize for Studies in Bacterial Systematics
Tanja Woyke has been awarded the van Niel International Prize for Studies in Bacterial Systematics for the triennium 2017-2020 in recognition of her contributions made to the field.
Natural Prodcast Episode 11: Marnix Medema
In this Natural Prodcast podcast episode, Marnix Medema of Wageningen University and his collaborators have a fantastic set of software tools for exploring secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs).
Engagement Webinar: Harnessing JGI’s Metabolomics Capabilities
The JGI Engagement Webinar held November 5, 2020 (video available with captions) spotlighted the metabolomic analysis capability available through the Community Science Program (CSP).
From Competition to Cooperation
Comparing 135 fungal genome sequences, researchers looked at how multiple forest fungi have independently evolved to establish symbiotic relationships with plants, and particularly how fungi that feed on decaying plant matter have transitioned to the symbiotic lifestyle.
Genome Insider Episode 9: The Soil Blooms Green
In Genome Insider, Penn State researchers Mary Ann Bruns and Terry Bell are studying a microbial community that might be quietly improving the soil.
A Grass Model to Help Improve Giant Miscanthus
The reference genome for Miscanthus sinensis, and the associated genomic tools, allows Miscanthus to both inform and benefit from breeding programs of related candidate bioenergy feedstock crops such as sugarcane and sorghum.
Uncovering Novel Genomes from Earth’s Microbiomes
Expanding the known diversity of bacteria and archaea by 44%, the publicly available Genomes from Earth’s Microbiomes (GEM) catalog generated from environmental samples around the world results from a collaboration involving more than 200 scientists, and JGI and KBase researchers.
Natural Prodcast Episode 10: A Primer on Genome Mining
In this Natural Prodcast episode, the basics of genome mining, including an analogy involving the California Gold Rush. Also covered: a new publication out of JGI in Nature Biotechnology.