Tag: Department of Biology
Virus genes help determine if pea aphids get their wings
The findings shed light on the important role that microbial genes, like those from viruses, can play in insect and animal evolution.
Researchers sequence the genome’s elusive centromere
Rochester biologist Amanda Larracuente and her colleagues have successfully sequenced one of the most repetitive parts of fruit fly genome, unlocking one of the “last frontiers of genome assembly.”
‘Longevity gene’ responsible for more efficient DNA repair
Rochester researchers have uncovered more evidence that the key to the “Fountain of Youth” may reside in a gene that is found to produce more potent proteins in species with longer lifespans.
Researchers create artificial mother-of-pearl using bacteria
Nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, is an exceptionally tough natural material found in shells and pearls. Rochester biologists have developed an innovative method for creating nacre in the lab—and maybe on the moon.
Unraveling the origin story of beer yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or brewer’s yeast, has been used to make beer for thousands of years. To reconstruct the history of modern ale strains, Rochester biologist Justin Fay and his colleagues sequenced the genome of modern brewer’s yeast.
CAREER awards spur junior researchers along varied paths
Four Rochester researchers from four different fields are 2019 recipients of the National Science Foundation’s most prestigious recognition for junior faculty members.
‘Selfish’ genetics amplify inflammation, age-related diseases
Research from Rochester biologists shows that a class of genomic parasites may cause more harm than previously thought, triggering inflammation that causes age-related diseases.
Rochester scientists receive Sloan fellowships
Biologist Nancy Chen and chemist Ellen Matson are among this year’s recipients of Sloan Research Fellowships, recognizing young scientists for their research accomplishments and leadership in the scientific community.
Male Y chromosomes not ‘genetic wastelands’
The Y chromosome is one piece of the genetic puzzle that is notoriously difficult to sequence. Rochester biologists are finding new insights into the processes that shape the Y chromosome.
What makes a species different?
New Rochester research points to the presence of “selfish genes,” whose flow among species may dictate whether two species converge or diverge.