Best of 2015 on G2G: Science & Publishing

Catch up on 2015’s most popular Science & Publishing posts!

Undergrads power genomics research

With 1014 authors, an article by Leung et al. in the May issue of G3 has the largest author list of any paper published in the journal. More than 900 of those authors were undergraduate students when they performed the research.

Human Genetic Diversity and Social Inequalities

Differences in genetic diversity between human populations can complicate certain social disparities, argue Noah Rosenberg and Jonathan Kang in a review published in GENETICS. But a controversial finding by economists — that genetic diversity is related to geographic patterns of economic development— is likely just a statistical fluke.

16 x 16 Colourful Faces from the British Library Collection, by Mario Klingemann. CC BY-NC 2.0

Wild zebrafish sex: a lab mystery solved

Laboratory zebrafish hide a dirty little secret. Although the tiny fish have proven to be a vital genetic model, zebrafish reproduction—at least in the lab—has wildly variable outcomes.

Introducing undergrads to primary literature in GENETICS

What if there was a way to ease new readers into a peer-reviewed paper? In 2012, GENETICS unveiled a new type of article for introducing primary literature into the classroom: the Primer. Primers in GENETICS now come in two flavors: Research Primers, and Model Organism Primers.

The molecules behind mimicry

The vibrant passion-vine butterfly species Heliconius erato doesn’t taste as good as it looks. The flesh of this South and Central American species accumulates toxic compounds to discourage would-be predators, who quickly learn to associate the butterflies’ unpleasant taste with their bold red warning colors and patterns.

But H. erato isn’t the only species that wears this particular danger sign.

Spotlight on 2014 research

From animal domestication to human genome variation, from loblolly genomes to lager genomes, from wild zebrafish sex to untangled metagenomes, last year brought plenty of high points for the GSA journals.

An arbitrary line in the sand: Rising scientists confront the impact factor

In November, GENETICS published an editorial that illuminates the struggles of scientists trying to both do good science and advance in their career, especially as related to the unintended effects of the Journal Impact Factor (JIF).

Vexed: why doesn’t eastern coral snake venom vary?

When an eastern diamondback rattlesnake bites its prey, it injects a cocktail of toxic proteins and peptides that attack on multiple fronts. But the precise recipe for this noxious mix is generally thought to depend on where the snake was born.

Left: Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius); Right: Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) Image credit: Kenny Wray, Florida State University

Medaka Genetic Toolbox: Old fish, new tricks

Since the 17th century, the tiny medaka fish that dart through rice paddies in Japan have been bred as living ornaments. Though in the wild they are a nondescript mud color, medaka occasionally turn up in flashier mutant varieties — orange-red, pearlescent white, black splotched — that were much prized by generations of fish fanciers. Around 1913, medaka color varieties caught the attention of zoologist Tatuo Aida.

Medaka varieties illustrated in Plate 1 of Aida (1921). From left to right: brown-black (wild-type), variegated orange-red, blue-black, orange-red, variegated white, white.

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Where are they now? Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award recipients share updates on their research

Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award applications are open–make sure you submit your application or nomination of a colleague by September 30, 2024.
University of Minnesota researchers map genome of the last living wild horse species

The study, published in G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics, is part of larger conservation efforts to save Przewalski’s horse.
Congratulations to the Spring 2024 DeLill Nasser Awardees!

GSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for Spring 2024! Given twice a year to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, DeLill Nasser Awards support attendance at meetings and laboratory courses. The award is named in honor of DeLill Nasser, a long-time GSA supporter and National Science Foundation…
Carolyn Damilola: an NFS Rising Scientist on a lifelong quest to learn more

Carolyn Damilola is an NFS Rising Scientist from Nigeria doing respiratory system research and paving the way for scientists from underrepresented communities through mentorship.
What does a good microgrant proposal look like?

Members of the Microgrant Review Committee share their tips for a successful proposal.
The first piece of the facial recognition puzzle

New research in GENETICS gives a first peek at the molecular pathway involved in recognizing faces.
New Senior Editor Amy MacQueen joins GENETICS

A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Genome Integrity and Transmission section. We’re excited to welcome Amy MacQueen to the editorial team.
Block party on the zebrafish sex chromosome

Research in G3 identifies a gene regulatory block of the zebrafish genome responsible for overseeing the maternal-to-zygotic-transition.
Unraveling the mysteries of duckweed: epigenetic insights from Spirodela polyrhiza

Research published in G3 offers insight into the impact of DNA methylation on clonal propagation in asexually reproducing plants.
A microbiologist’s quest to understand CRISPR in bacterial self-defense

2024 Genetics Society of America Medal recipient Luciano Marraffini determined how CRISPR-Cas systems destroy genetic targets with precision, paving the way for gene editing technology development.
Unlocking mysteries of trait and disease heritability in dogs

2024 Edward Novitski Prize recipient Elaine Ostrander, a pioneer of the domestic dog model, discovered numerous genes affecting dog size, morphology, behavior, and disease susceptibility—many of which have relevance in humans.
GSA and collaborators Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue and Reclaiming STEM Institute launch NSF-funded BIO-LEAPS project to support culture change in genetics

We are thrilled to announce that the Genetics Society of America (GSA) is collaborating with the Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue (PGED) based in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, and the Reclaiming STEM Institute (RSI) on a Leading Culture Change Through Professional Societies of Biology (BIO-LEAPS) grant from the U.S. National Science…
Daman Saluja: Navigating Science and Policy in India

In the Paths to Science Policy series, we talk to individuals who have a passion for science policy and are active in advocacy through their various roles and careers. The series aims to inform and guide early career scientists interested in science policy. This series is brought to you by the GSA Early Career Scientist…
A fly geneticist’s journey into discovering rules of organ development

2024 George W. Beadle Award recipient Deborah Andrew discovered new genes and pathways in Drosophila salivary gland organogenesis. Now, her work can help optimize cell secretion in therapeutic applications and fight malaria.
Małgorzata Gazda: How receiving the DeLill Nasser Award helped her land her dream job

Have you ever experienced an event that changes the course of your life, or in this case, your career? Małgorzata (Gosia) Gazda is Assistant Professor at the University of Montreal and in 2022, she received the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics, which she used to attend and present at the 2022 Population,…
Hongyu Zhao joins GENETICS as new Senior Editor

A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Statistical Genetics and Genomics section. We’re excited to welcome Hongyu Zhao to the editorial team.
GSA Member Julio Molina Pineda Receives DeLill Nasser Award, Shines at TAGC 2024

“At any career stage, the GSA membership is an amazing investment for any genetics professional!” Julio Molina Pineda is a PhD Candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Research Assistant at the University of Arkansas, and a Doctoral Academy Fellow at the Lewis Lab. In 2023, Julio was awarded the DeLill Nasser Award for…
In Memoriam: Ellsworth Herman Grell (1932–2023), a pioneer of Drosophila genome engineering and annotation

Ellsworth (Ed) Grell blessed the Drosophila community through three enduring legacies: as a pioneer of chromosome mechanics, as a primary organizer and synthesizer of genetic knowledge in Drosophila, and as a graceful mentor to those fortunate to have known him personally. Ed grew up in rural Nebraska, completed his undergraduate studies at Iowa State, and…
Congratulations to the #Fungal24 Poster Award winners!

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the GSA Poster Awards for posters presented at the 32nd Fungal Genetics Conference! Undergraduate and graduate student members of GSA were eligible for the awards, and a hard-working team of judges made the determinations. Congratulations to all! Felicia Ebot Ojong, The University of Georgia My research is focused…
Poster presentation tips for TAGC 2024

You’ve been selected to present a poster at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March—you’ve celebrated, made plans to attend, now what? This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your research and engage with fellow members of the genetics community, so you want to make sure you’re prepared. We wanted to offer you some tips…
Maximize your TAGC 2024 experience

A guide to all that National Harbor & DC have to offer Are you joining us for The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March? Make the most of your #TAGC24 experience in National Harbor! We know the science will keep you busy, but you deserve to unwind and have some fun, so we’ve curated a…
Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Sarah Petrosky

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Sarah PetroskyMultimedia SubcommitteeUniversity of Pittsburgh Research Interest I am interested in understanding adaptation that has been happening recently in populations by dissecting the ways that genes underlying an adaptation…
TAGC 2024 Early Career Award Winners

GSA is pleased to announce the winners of the early career awards presented at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024. These awards are specific to particular TAGC communities and recognize early career scientists’ outstanding work on their respective research organisms. The awardees will present their talks in keynote sessions at TAGC 2024. Don’t miss the opportunity…
Preeminent geneticists recognized with revamped GSA Awards

In 2022, GSA’s Board of Directors launched an audit to review the five major awards conferred by the Society. Today, we are thrilled to announce the recipients of the reimagined GSA Awards, including the new Genetics Society of America Early Career Medal. The scientists honored this year are recognized by their peers for their outstanding…
Fly Board funds outreach programs to spread the word about Drosophila research

In 2020, the Fly Board voted to use part of its reserve fund to support efforts to increase trainee participation as well as equity and diversity in the Drosophila community. An awards committee decides how the money will be spent each year, and from 2020–2022, the committee posted a very broad call for applications from…
New members of the GSA Board of Directors: 2024–2026

We are pleased to announce the election of four new leaders to the GSA Board of Directors: 2024 Vice President/2025 President Brenda Andrews Professor, University of Toronto It’s an honor to continue my association with the Society by serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. I have broad knowledge of the ongoing activities…
The Fly Meeting is one-of-a-kind! Dros 2025 organizers share their excitement

The 66th Annual Drosophila Research Conference promises to be a meeting rich with the latest in Drosophila research as well as opportunities to advance your career and connect with a global community of 1,400+ scientists. The organizers Todd Nystul, Michelle Bland, Leila Rieder, Amanda Crocker, and Justin Crocker are hard at work, planning a conference…
Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Olufemi Osonowo

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Olufemi Adekunle OsonowoCareer Development SubcommitteeDalhousie University Research Interest Metabolomics and genomics are two distinct but complimentary approaches that offer valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of complex traits, such…
Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Hector Mendoza

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Hector MendozaCommunication and Outreach SubcommitteeUniversity of Michigan Research Interest My research goals converge around the evolution of sexual reproduction. During my doctoral program, I investigated mitochondrial inheritance, a mechanism…