Apple Bioinformatics Award Winners
Dr. Ed DeLong
Institution
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Assignment
Professor, joint appointment with MITs Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and Division of Biological Engineering
Scientific Discipline
Environmental microbial genomics
Challenge
Analyzing and interpreting the genetic code of miniscule microbes that thrive in the worlds oceans.
Discoveries
New types of microbes, previously unknown to science, thrive in the worlds oceans. Some use new and unexpected ways to harness energy from sunlight.
Research
What were really about now is using genomic techniques to learn about structure, function and dynamics in microbial communities. By looking at organisms that live and function together and that potentially exchange genes with one another we can start to get metrics on genome dynamics and evolution. We can also begin to see how specific microbes help balance chemical and biological cycles in the sea and elsewhere.
For our society to sustain itself, we have to understand how to interact with the environment and maintain a better balance. To do that, we have to know how it operates.
Resources
DeLong is establishing a new lab that integrates genomic technologies with environmental science. In this unique setting, his team can collaborate with colleagues in genomics, nanotechnology, computational biology, geology and oceanography.
Why Apple?
The combination of user-friendly management and all the tools available in the UNIX environment make Macs a perfect platform for scientists, bioinformaticians and students.
