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

Student engagement and learning outcomes in the model United Nations

This article explores the effect of student engagement on learning outcomes associated with students’ participation in Model United Nations. We developed an objective assessment of learning outcomes by fielding a survey to conference participants and measuring their general knowledge of the United Nations. We follow-up the survey by asking faculty advisors to report on student outcomes and on the level of activity of Model UN student groups. As predicted by previous research, expectations established by a supportive peer group provide a powerful incentive for student learning, even exceeding the influence of formal instruction in a dedicated credit-bearing course

Assessing democratic engagement through student organizations

The National Survey of Student Leaders (NSSL) is the first initiative extending scholarly insights about democratic benefits of participation in civil society associations to student organizations and their leaders on campus in order to assess democratic engagement as well as civic and political learning. This article describes NSSL and presents overall first-round data as a way to highlight recommendations for student affairs practitioners when assessing democratic outcomes from student organizations’ activities, structures, and leadership.https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/HMWNUVHDAH9EH5V4ACJT/full?target=10.1080/19496591.2019.1648277Accepted manuscrip

Why Don\u27t Women Rule the World?: Understanding Women\u27s Civic and Political Choices

Written by four leaders within the national and international academic caucuses on women and politics, Why Don\u27t Women Rule the World? by J. Cherie Strachan , Lori M. Poloni-Staudinger, Shannon Jenkins, and Candice D. Ortbals helps you to understand how the underrepresentation of women manifests within politics, and the impact this has on policy. Grounded in theory with practical, job-related activities, the book offers a thorough introduction to the study of women and politics, and will bolster your political interests, ambitions, and efficacy.https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/polscibooks/1009/thumbnail.jp