Pangenome aims to capture the breadth of human diversity
In this episode:
00:45 Making a more diverse human genome
The first draft of the human genome ushered in a new era of genetics research. Since its publication, researchers have constructed ever more accurate \u2018reference genomes\u2019 \u2013 baselines against which others are compared. But these are based on the DNA of a small number of people, and don\u2019t represent the genetic variation known to exist across human populations. To address this, a consortium of researchers have published the first draft of a \u2018pangenome\u2019, which combines the genomes of 47 genetically diverse individuals. This draft provides a more complete picture of the human genome, and is the starting point for a project that aims to include sequences from 350 individuals.
Research article: Liao et al.
Research article: Vollger et al.
Research article: Guarracino et al.
News and Views Forum: Human pangenome supports analysis of complex genomic regions
08:33 Research Highlights
A wearable sensor that lets users see infrared light, and how a vulture\u2019s culture can influence its dining habits.
Research Highlight: Wearable sensor gives a glimpse of \u2018invisible\u2019 light
Research Highlight: What drives a scavenger\u2019s diet? Vulture culture
11:06 Briefing Chat
We discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time, a new phosphate-storing organelle found in fruit fly cells, and how extracted DNA revealed who held a deer-tooth pendant 20,000 years ago.
Nature News: New cellular \u2018organelle\u2019 discovered inside fruit-fly intestines
Nature News: Prehistoric pendant\u2019s DNA reveals the person who held it
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