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

Determination of some phytoestrogens in alfalfa sprouts

Alfalfa sprouts were grown under selected conditions in order to determine the effect of growth period, light duration, rinse volume and rinse frequency on the accumulation of phytoestrogens. The phytoestrogens were isolated from a crude methanol extract of alfalfa sprouts using ethyl ether. The residue remaining following ethyl ether evaporation was redissolved in methanol for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A method for HPLC was developed using an octadecylsilane reversed-phase column, UV detection at 254 nm and a gradient methanol/ water solvent system containing 1.0% acetic acid and 0.1 M ammonium acetate. Baseline resolution of the phytoestrogens daidzein, formonone-tin and coumestrol from the alfalfa sprout extracts was achieved with an elution time of 30 minutes. Total phytoestrogen content ranged from 1 to 22 ppm dry weight alfalfa (or less than 2 ppm fresh weight alfalfa) depending on the growth conditions employed. Alfalfa sprouts grown in the dark (0 h light) for the longer growth period (148 h) had significantly greater (P≤ 0.05) contents of daidzein, formononetin and coumestrol than those sprouts from other chosen treatment combinations. Although the contribution of phytoestrogens to the human diet from alfalfa sprouts would appear to be markedly higher than from other common vegetables, the physiological significance of such an intake has not yet been determined.Land and Food Systems, Faculty ofGraduat

Apples: Safe Methods to Store, Preserve, and Enjoy

Apples are generally abundant and inexpensive, and they add a healthy component to a well-balanced diet. Learn how to get the most out of the apples you buy at market or from a U-Pick farm or grow in your own garden. Contains detailed instructions for freezing, drying and canning, including recipes for Applesauce, Apple Butter, Apple Chutney, and Sweet Apple Relish

Olives: Safe Methods for Home Pickling

The health benefits of olive oil are also bringing olives into the spotlight. From water-cured Kalamata style to Greek style olives in brine, you'll learn how to make your own delicious olives at home using water, salt, oil, or lye curing methods. This handy publication also covers tips on selecting and storing fresh olives as well as the safe handling of lye. Note that this updated publication replaces ABC's of Home-Cured, Green-Ripe Olives and Home Pickling of Olives

Olives: Safe Methods for Home Pickling

The health benefits of olive oil are also bringing olives into the spotlight. From water-cured Kalamata style to Greek style olives in brine, you'll learn how to make your own delicious olives at home using water, salt, oil, or lye curing methods. This handy publication also covers tips on selecting and storing fresh olives as well as the safe handling of lye. Note that this updated publication replaces ABC's of Home-Cured, Green-Ripe Olives and Home Pickling of Olives