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The university took a leap into DNA analysis in November with its new DNA Sequencing and Analysis Core Facility in Brooks Hall.
Funded partly by $55,000 in annual funding from CMU 2010, the center began offering use of a year-old sequencer and other molecular equipment to all university faculty members for a fee. The center also will market its services to smaller Michigan colleges and universities that don’t have such equipment.
Previously, most CMU researchers had to send DNA samples for analysis to larger universities, such as the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
“It’s costly, and it’s not always the fastest turnaround,” said Jennifer Schisa, assistant professor of biology and codirector of the center. Greg Colores, assistant professor of biology, also is codirector.
DNA sequencing helps researchers determine the nucleotide order in a DNA fragment – typically much smaller than a teardrop. This sequence encodes the necessary information for living things to survive and reproduce, and it gives researchers insight into how and why organisms live. Scientists say it is helpful in many aspects of biological research, including developing treatments for genetic diseases.
The College of Science and Technology purchased the $72,000 sequencer in 2005 with proceeds from a $157,000 National Science Foundation grant. The box-shaped sequencer is about the size of a mini-refrigerator.
CMU 2010 funding is committed for three years.
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