Bio Saga Blog - A Chronicle of Life Sciences & Informatics

Listeria TDRM Database http://www.lmtdrm.com/ . Please keep your comments and suggestions flowing in  kamesh@pronetinformatix.com The genus  Listeria  consists of a group of gram-positive bacteria of low G+C content closely related to  Bacillus, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Streptococcus,  and  Staphylococcus .  Listeria spp.   are facultative anaerobic rods of 0.4 by 1 to 1.5 µm that do not form spores, have no capsule and are motile at 10 to 25°C.  Listeria spp .  is isolated from a diversity of environmental sources, including soil, water, effluents, a large variety of foods, and the feces of humans and animals. The genus  Listeria  currently includes eight species:  L. monocytogenes ,  L. ivanovii ,  L. seeligeri , L.rocourtiace ,  L. innocua ,  L. welshimeri ,  L. marthii   and  L. grayi . Two of these species  L. monocytogenes  and  L. ivanovii  are potential...

Microbial Genomes Curator @ Computercraft Corporation--Maryland (US).  Submitted by Computercraft Corporation; posted on Saturday, March 17, 2012 RESPONSIBILITIES: Computercraft seeks a microbiologist to work with a team of software developers and biologists on microbial genome analysis including pan-genome, protein clusters, phylogenetic tree and more. This is a technically challenging position requiring experience in genome sequencing and annotation. A background in comparative genome analysis such as alignments and tree building is a plus. Our scientists work with genomic experts at the NIH's National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) to create and enhance a suite of databases and tools available to researchers worldwide. Teamwork interaction and excellent organizational skills are essential for this detail-oriented position, as is scientific problem-solving with a results-oriented focus. REQUIREMENTS: * PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, or related field * ...

Microbes as bio-defence against chemical weapons, a skin-thin membrane to protect soldiers against toxic environments and cost-effective bio-diesel to fuel military vehicles are among the contributions researchers in the city are set to make for the Indian solider. Developing these futuristic systems is Anna University , with funding from the Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO ). Of the 12 projects the university submitted, DRDO has approved four and allocated Rs 88 lakh as the first instalment. "The projects are research for bio-defence against pathogens and toxins, development of membranes for gas and organic vapour separation, development of novel anti-fouling nano and ultra filtration membranes (these membranes will prevent the solider from imbibing nano-sized toxins) and development of alternative source for bio-diesel from non-edible oils," D Mohan, a senior scientist with Anna University told the press. The most important among these is the research...

In Heidelberg, Germany, today researchers from eight countries and the European Commission announced the formation of a new research enterprise, the International Human Microbiome Consortium (IHMC), which will sequence the genomes of tens of thousands of microorganisms that live in and on the human body and that influence human health. Initial funding of more than US$200 million is being provided by the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the European Commission (EC). Jane Peterson, associate director of extramural research at the NHGRI, said international collaboration is very important in advancing science, and that “the sum is more than the parts.” Participants in the IHMC have agreed in principle to the free and open release of data and resources, and the coordination of research plans, as well as to sharing innovative developments, she reported. Data from microbiome research already being conducted by the NIH Human Microbiome Project and the EC Metagenomics ...

We all understand that even the tiniest changes in the environment can create big opportunities and challenges for plants, animals and humans, but rarely do we consider what's happening on a microscopic level and what those changes could mean for the infinite varieties of life on Earth or how mankind's day-to-day experiences could be affected. But University of Houston researchers Yuriy Fofanov and Lennart Johnsson understand that what we don't see often carries big-picture implications. They've recently garnered international recognition for applying such vision while creating technologies to help monitor the sizes and genomic diversity of microbial communities. "The computational tools will pave the way to less expensive and more reliable tests that can be used across the globe. The sheer number of microbial communities presents great commercial potential," said Johnsson, Cullen distinguished professor of computer science, mathematics, and electrical and c...