News

Researchers in the Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division collaborated on a study to better understand the role of viruses that infect photosynthetic phytoplankton in the marine food web.

A Colorado State University-led team of scientists including researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have detailed for the first time both broad and specific information about the presence and function of microorganisms in rivers covering 90% of the watersheds in the continental U.S.

Berkeley Lab expertise and capabilities enabled this research by bringing genomic sequencing tools and expertise along with making the data widely accessible through public databases.

Berkeley Lab colleagues share memories of Stephan Chan, who served as Joint Genome Institute’s (JGI’s) Advanced Analytics Manager from 2021 until his death. A memorial bike ride in his honor is being planned.

By studying the genes of land plants’ closest algal relative, Zygnematophyceae, scientists have enhanced our understanding of how early plants transitioned from water to land. Through the Community Science Program of the DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI), scientists sequenced the genomes of four Zygnematophyceae algae, which were isolated from diverse freshwater environments. These led to highly detailed assemblies for three strains of Zygnema circumcarinatum. Published May 2024 in Nature Genetics by an international research consortium led by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Goettingen, this research provides critical insights into the common ancestry of these algae and land plants. Learn more on the JGI’s website. 

Several Biosciences Area personnel are among the 2024 recipients of Berkeley Lab Director’s Achievement Awards. The program recognizes outstanding contributions by employees to all aspects of Lab activities.