Draft Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Vibrio parahaemolyticus Strain PH698, Infecting Penaeid Shrimp in the Philippines

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains in diverse settings has been reported globally. In the Philippine shrimp aquaculture industry, antibiotics are used for the treatment of bacterial diseases during the production cycle. We report the draft genome of Vibrio parahaemolyticus PH698, a multidrug-resistant strain isolated from a Philippine shrimp farm.

Draft Genome Sequence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Strain PH1339, Which Causes Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease in Shrimp in the Philippines

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), which affects multiple shrimp species, including the economically important Penaeus monodon and Penaeus vannamei, is characterized by massive sloughing of the epithelial cells of the hepatopancreas to the point of atrophy (1).

Plant cytogenomics in the post-genomics era

The release of the first human reference genome in 2003 marked the beginning of the post-genomics era when genetics progressed beyond gene-centered analyses to a myriad of omics approaches. Genome sequencing technologies have advanced dramatically from Sanger, second/next-generation, to third-generation sequencing platforms. Also, genome assembly methods and tools have evolved contemporaneously, resulting in a dramatic drop in genome assembly cost. Consequently, more than 360 plant species’ genomes have been assembled ever since the first plant genome, Arabidopsis thaliana, was published in 2000.

“Oh, my Genes”: Lessons from Plant Genetics and Genomics for Trait Improvement

In recent years, genetics and genomics has played an important role in facilitating the genetic improvement of plants. Different tools have been developed to examine the structure, function, and properties of genes controlling complex traits. The genetic diversity of germplasm found in existing gene banks through different breeding populations such as core collections, nested association mapping panels, mutants, recombinant inbred lines, and multiparent advance generation intercross populations in germplasm banks served as sources of desirable alleles for plant breeding.

Characterization of the Biosynthetic Potential of the β-proteobacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans Strain ISP2-142-O-2-A Using Microbiological, Chemical, and Genomic Approaches

This study characterized the biosynthetic potential of the bacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans strain ISP2-142-O-2-A associated with the sponge Haliclona sp. nov. Chemistry- and bioactivity-guided purification of extracts from A. xylosoxidans afforded three compounds (1–3).

Using DNA barcodes against the wildlife black market

While recent news of giant clams (Tridacna gigas) being harvested in the disputed Scarborough Shoal drew massive outrage online, it was only the latest low point in the dark history of wildlife exploitation in the region. A poignant series of cases also happened here in 2013 and 2014, this time involving pangolins or “scaly anteaters,” which have been described as the most trafficked animals in the world.