Science Market Update

New Science Research at UO Yields Scientific Breakthrough in Genomics

Posted by Dylan Fitzwater on Mon, Jun 27, 2011

New science research at the University of Oregon has led to the development of a revolutionary genome sequencing technique. This new scientific breakthrough involved extensive research by top genomics researchers at UO.

new UO science research a scientific breakthrough in genomicsThe NIH funded project was led by Eric A. Johnson of the UO Institute of Molecular Biology and has just been completed after three years of research. This breakthrough genomics research focused on the development of a technology to discover differences between genomes called restriction-site associated DNA markers (RAD). RAD markers allow scientists to sequence an organism's genome in substantially less time and with significantly more accuracy. 

Johnson has developed a new RAD based sequencing method, called RAD paired-end contigs, which has been shown to accurately sequence an entire genome in a matter of hours. Additionally the new method almost never results in unexplained fragments of DNA left-over after the sequencing is complete. These fragments have been a recurring problem for earlier technologies.

This new technique has been most recently used to identify genetic differences between fresh water and saltwater three-spine stickleback fish. However, Johnson has said that there is already significant interest in sequencing the human genome with this new RAD technology.

Another new research project into RAD genome sequencing is being led by Hui Zong of the University of Oregon thanks to a $1 million grant from the W.M. Keck foundation. This research will focus on the implications of genome sequencing for the fight against cancer (for more information read our blog on this topic).

This article is brought to you by Biotechnology Calendar, Inc., helping researchers to network with suppliers of laboratory equipment for over 18 years. To connect with top science researchers and to showcase new laboratory products register for the upcoming  BioResearch Product Faire™ at the University of Oregon on October 11, 2011. Researchers are invited to attend and learn about the latest laboratory equipment in their fields. For more information click the button below.

UO science research vendor show

What sequencing technology are you using now? Do you think your research would benefit from RAD technology? Comment and give us your opinion below.

Tags: Northwest, University of Oregon, Oregon, Genomics

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