What's Hot In Biology> 2011
Year: 2011
The Top Ten lists in Biology feature papers published during the year 2011 (excluding review articles) that were most cited in current journal articles indexed by Thomson Reuters during a recent two-month period. Papers are ranked according to the latest bimonthly citation count. The articles below are accompanied by expert discussion and analysis (including comments from the papers’ authors) written by Jeremy Cherfas, veteran scientist-journalist and longtime ScienceWatch.com contributor.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
Building an Encyclopedia Of Microbial Sequences
by Jeremy Cherfas
A large team of biologists set out to sequence bacterial
and archaeal genomes, selecting their microbial targets on the basis
of evolutionary relationships instead of physiology. Initial results
produced genome sequences from 56 microbes, also illuminating new
protein families and other novel properties. The team members envision
harnessing this “phylogenetically driven” approach to
genome sequencing in the compilation of a “Genomic Encyclopedia
of Bacteria and Archaea.View Article
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
Land of 1000 Genomes: How Best to Sequence?
by Jeremy Cherfas
The international undertaking known as the 1000 Genome
Project Consortium aims to explore and thoroughly characterize the
variation in human genome sequences. In its pilot study, the
Consortium reports the investigation of different strategies for
genome-wide sequencing. Results indicated that over 95% of currently
available variants found in any individual had been catalogued. These
methods will be combined with public data as the Project moves to its
next phase.View Article
JULY/AUGUST 2011
New Markers Sharpen Picture Of Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
by Jeremy Cherfas
A meta-analysis of 21 genome-wide association studies
has made progress in elucidating the genetic underpinnings of type 2
diabetes. Examining such traits as levels of fasting glucose and
fasting insulin, the team identified several genetic loci associated
with impaired glucose or insulin function. Increased knowledge of
these factors will aid in identifying those at risk of progressing to
type 2 diabetes, so that dietary and behavioral changes can be
effected.View Article
MAY/JUNE 2011
Mapped Out: A Complex Landscape of Genetic Interactions
by Jeremy Cherfas
Using yeast, a team of biologists has produced a network
map representing the relationship and interactions between thousands
of genes. Most of the mapped genes displayed few interactions, while
some were observed to serve as “hubs” in the network. The
degree of connectedness also pointed to bridges between different
processes. Expanding this “landscape” approach to other
species promises further insights and, possibly, new therapeutic
strategies.View Article
MARCH/APRIL 2011
MicroRNAs Brought to Bear Against Liver Cancer
by Jeremy Cherfas
Researchers have successfully used a viral vector to
deliver a specific microRNA (miRNA) to suppress tumorigenesis in a
mouse model of liver cancer. The miRNA in question, MiR-26a, which is
highly expressed in normal cells but suppressed in the murine
liver-cancer model, interferes with two cyclins that are required for
the proliferative phase of the cell cycle. Results indicate that the
restored miRNA caused the tumor cells to undergo programmed cell
death.View Article
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Genome-Wide Association Studies Yield More Insights
by Jeremy Cherfas
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) continue to find
wide utility, as researchers attempt to tease out genetic variations
that contribute to disease conditions and other physiological
phenomena. Recent work, for example, has centered on specific
variations and the attendant risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Another recent report discusses methodological issues associated with
GWAS, and also describes an online catalog of variations and traits
derived from GWAS.View Article
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