Genomics
01 November 1999 publication
The lead articles of the November 1999 issue of Microbiology Today are on microbiology in the new millennium; genomics and bioinformatics; the Edward Jenner controversy; the latest news about SGM journals online; and the IUMS Congresses in Sydney.
Microbiology at the beginning of a new millennium (p. 154)
As we enter a new millennium, Allan Hamilton reflects on the impact of microbes on our lives and the challenges that lie ahead for microbiologists.
Genomics and bioinformatics (p. 156)
Simon Baumberg explains the importance of studying genomics and bioinformatics.
Genomic analysis methods (p. 157)
James McInerney and Kenneth Wolfe discuss genomic analysis methods.
What sequence homology tells us about the functions and origins of viral genes (p. 160)
Sequence homology tells us how genes are related to each other and what their history is. Many viruses – most strikingly the large DNA viruses – have captured genes from their hosts, and many may even have recycled some to new uses. Andrew Davison depicts gene capture as a key component of viral evolution.
Genomics, phylogenetics and epidemiology (p. 162)
Eddie Holmes writes about how comparison of the sequences of complete genomes of organisms may in the future provide an opportunity to learn much more about why pathogens spread and cause disease and will allow us to unravel the crossed wires of evolutionary relationships.
Genomic landscapes (p. 164)
Jean Lobry describes genomic landscapes.
Where are the new classes of antibiotics and antifungals going to come from? (p. 166)
Due to the problems of antibiotic resistance, the urgency to find new drugs is pressing. Aileen Allsop describes how genomics and bioinformatics are transforming research into novel antimicrobial agents.
Horizontal transfer of genes in bacteria (p. 168)
Paul Roy gives an overview of how genetic exchange works and of mobile DNA, and summarises how genomic data can be searched for evidence of horizontal transfer.
Edward Jenner and vaccination in context: Lady Mary got there first (p. 172)
Peter Balfe reviews a new book by Isobel Grundy, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, Comet of the Enlightenment, in which is suggested that Jenner's reputation as the pioneer of vaccination may be somewhat undeserved.
Going Public (p. 180)
Dariel Burdass reports back from this year's MISAC Competition.
IUMS Congresses (p. 181)
Janet Hurst describes her experience at the 1999 Congresses of the International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS), which were held in Australia in August.
Comment (p. 212)
Dave Roberts writes about the shortage of trained bioinformatics staff and the consequences of it.