A Single Molecule Scaffold for the Maize Genome

About 85% of the maize genome consists of highly repetitive sequences that are interspersed by low-copy, gene-coding sequences. The maize community has dealt with this genomic complexity by the construction of an integrated genetic and physical map (iMap), but this resource alone was not sufficient for ensuring the quality of the current sequence build. For this purpose, we constructed a genome-wide, high-resolution optical map of the maize inbred line B73 genome containing >91,000 restriction sites (averaging 1 site/∼23 kb) accrued from mapping genomic DNA molecules. Our optical map comprises 66 contigs, averaging 31.88 Mb in size and spanning 91.5% (2,103.93 Mb/∼2,300 Mb) of the maize genome. A new algorithm was created that considered both optical map and unfinished BAC sequence data for placing 60/66 (2,032.42 Mb) optical map contigs onto the maize iMap. The alignment of optical maps against numerous data sources yielded comprehensive results that proved revealing and productive. For example, gaps were uncovered and characterized within the iMap, the FPC (fingerprinted contigs) map, and the chromosome-wide pseudomolecules. Such alignments also suggested amended placements of FPC contigs on the maize genetic map and proactively guided the assembly of chromosome-wide pseudomolecules, especially within complex genomic regions. Lastly, we think that the full integration of B73 optical maps with the maize iMap would greatly facilitate maize sequence finishing efforts that would make it a valuable reference for comparative studies among cereals, or other maize inbred lines and cultivars

The Pill Box Project

An interdisciplinary senior design team at Boise State University has been tasked with designing and building a Pill Box to allow for dosage alerts and a greater peace of mind for caregivers in accordance with the requests of our sponsor, Dr. Jim Browning. Studies show that medication non-compliance among the elderly population is largely due to poor memory, limited dexterity and a complex medication regimen. After reviewing products currently available on the market, and building various rudimentary prototypes, a device has been designed to address this widespread and potentially dangerous problem. With a $700 budget, the device currently being built will incorporate 28 compartments that will each house a pill cup for easy access. Above each pill cup, there will be a magnetically held lid with a plunger sensor. The sensor allows the device to monitor and record dosage activity as well as alert the user of incorrect dosage attempts. Each compartment is also equipped with a green LED light that will flash along with an audio alert to remind the user to take their medication based on programming input by the caregiver. This device will serve to reduce medication errors and increase independence for its users