Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

Mark Tobey

Bellerby describes Tobey's encounter with oriental ideas on art and spirituality and their influence on the artist's use of line, space, and focus. Biographical notes. 10 bibl. ref

Gordon Rice : Works on Paper

Bellerby describes Rice's works on paper, which emerge from personal observations of the suburban landscape. Biographical notes

Seattle Now

Noting the diversity of work from Seattle and the city's historical links with Victoria, Bellerby discusses ten artists' work. Biographical notes. Circa 95 bibl. ref

Gerald Hushlak : Computer Works

In an interview, Hushlak describes the process and technical aspects of computer-generated drawings. Includes an introduction by Bellerby. Biographical notes. 3 bibl. ref

Don Quixote & Other Situations Worthy of Consideration : Photographs & Installations by Ralph Stanbridge

Bellerby discusses Stanbridge's installations and photographs in terms of their sources in art history, their formal qualities and their subject matter. Biographical notes. 2 bibl. ref

Ted Polkinghorne : Recent Paintings

Bellerby analyses Polkinghorne's large abstract paintings, noting his use of preparatory sketches. Artist's statement

Mowry Baden : Maquettes & Other Preparatory Work, 1967-1980

Bellerby characterizes Baden's participatory sculptural works. Tracing the evolution of his ideas on the body and kinetic perception, the artist provides an extensive text about the conception and execution of specific pieces. Biographical notes. 21 bibl. ref

Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT) V4

The Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT) is a synthesis activity by the international marine carbon research community (>100 contributors). SOCAT version 4 has 18.5 million quality-controlled, surface ocean fCO2 (fugacity of carbon dioxide) observations with an accuracy of better than 5 µatm from 1957 to 2015 for the global oceans and coastal seas. Automation of data upload and initial data checks speeds up data submission and allows annual releases of SOCAT from version 4 onwards. SOCAT enables quantification of the ocean carbon sink and ocean acidification and evaluation of ocean biogeochemical models. SOCAT represents a milestone in research coordination, data access, biogeochemical and climate research and in informing policy

Genomic reconstruction of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in England

AbstractThe evolution of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus leads to new variants that warrant timely epidemiological characterization. Here we use the dense genomic surveillance data generated by the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium to reconstruct the dynamics of 71 different lineages in each of 315 English local authorities between September 2020 and June 2021. This analysis reveals a series of subepidemics that peaked in early autumn 2020, followed by a jump in transmissibility of the B.1.1.7/Alpha lineage. The Alpha variant grew when other lineages declined during the second national lockdown and regionally tiered restrictions between November and December 2020. A third more stringent national lockdown suppressed the Alpha variant and eliminated nearly all other lineages in early 2021. Yet a series of variants (most of which contained the spike E484K mutation) defied these trends and persisted at moderately increasing proportions. However, by accounting for sustained introductions, we found that the transmissibility of these variants is unlikely to have exceeded the transmissibility of the Alpha variant. Finally, B.1.617.2/Delta was repeatedly introduced in England and grew rapidly in early summer 2021, constituting approximately 98% of sampled SARS-CoV-2 genomes on 26 June 2021.</jats:p