The quick-change artist strategy of a fungus that causes pneumonia
A study led by a team of researchers from the Institute of Microbiology of CHUV-UNIL and SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics reveals the mechanisms of antigenic variation used by the pathogen Pneumocystis jirovecii to escape the human immune system.
Supercoiling pushes molecular handcuffs along chromatin fibres
As it squeezes down the chromatin fibre, the cohesin protein complex extrudes a growing loop of DNA - a bit like the quick-lacing system of trail-running shoes. But what is powering the movement of the protein?
A toolbox to improve genome annotation
With thousands of prokaryotic genomes newly sequenced each year, solutions for accurately annotating these genomes and thereby providing the basis for uncovering the function(s) of genes and their encoded proteins are urgently needed.
The genome of a 234-year-old oak tree, young as ever
A study carried out by researchers at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics has revealed that the genome of an emblematic tree of the University campus, the Napoleon oak, has changed little during its first 234 years of existence.
Novel molecular insights into diabetic beta cells
Type 2 diabetes, which affects >0.5 billion people worldwide, results from the inability of pancreatic beta cells to provide the body with enough insulin to maintain healthy levels of blood glucose. As part of the IMIDIA initiative, an international study now identified a novel cluster of dysregulated genes in the pancreatic islets of patients with type 2 diabetes.
A sustainable funding model for core data resources in the life sciences
A recent study by the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics and supported by ELIXIR compares existing funding models and identifies a candidate scheme, according to which the costs of core data resources worldwide could be covered by using less than 1% of the total amount already dedicated to research grants in the life sciences.
Outcome of SPHN first project call: a focus on SIB-led projects
The National Steering Board of SPHN has recently approved the 15 projects that will help develop the infrastructure required to make health-related data interoperable and shareable across Switzerland.
SIB co-founder Amos Bairoch distinguished for his outstanding contribution to biomolecular technologies
Amos Bairoch, co-founder of the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics and Group Leader of the CALIPHO group, is the 2018 awardee for Outstanding Contributions to Biomolecular Technologies of the prestigious Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF).