Monster Raving Ego Post.

[zotz]

Nature has just published papers on the content of two more human chromosomes - chromosome 9 and chromosome 10. I am, of course, very pleased, but also very slightly annoyed that they've spelt my name wrong. I should, IIRC, also be included for 1 and X, whenever they get documented. I found this out when I got an email from an ex-associate asking if I'd like her to score a copy and send it up. Yes, I think I would, thanks.

In news of more general interest, how many of you heard that the the first released version of the chimp genome is being analysed? No, me neither. It seems to have had very little attention, in spite of the undoubted significance. After all, there are important biological differences between us and our hairy cousins which have (I assume) been important in allowing us to do all the stuff we've done while they've stuck to their own (doubtless more important) activities. A draft version has been available since about December, and apparently when examined the sequence-level differences between them and us are quite interesting.

A final word from one of the papers on the Y-chromosome :

Reports of the demise of the Y chromosome and an impending extinction of men may have been exaggerated. The Y's full genome sequence reveals that we have underestimated its powers of self-preservation.

Instead of doubling up to protect its genetic cargo like other chromosomes, the lone Y safeguards its genes by having sex with itself, an international consortium has found.

No further comment, OK?

But in other news, there's a controversial new art event in London. (Thanks to NTK for that one)

And I've just been to the pub with nickys and original_aj. It's been a long long time since that happened. I must do it again, real soon.

Comments

[steer.livejournal.com]

Wahey - paper in Nature - good going I would say. [And less authors than a particle physics breakthrough.]

[zoo-music-girl.livejournal.com]

I *nearly* asked if you wanted to go to that exhibition, then I read it properly... :)

You've *just* been to the pub with Nicky and AJ? Before noon! I'm shocked! Damn permissive Edinburgh licensing laws!

Congratulations on the papers. I'm impressed, as ever. xx

[zoo-music-girl.livejournal.com]

It's not the first time. They even spelled his name right the last time.

[nickys.livejournal.com]

Congratulations on the paper.

Was good to see you last night.

[redcountess]

Congrats on the paper being published! The thing about the Saatchi fire is very droll ;-)

[lilitufire.livejournal.com]

Well done :)

[scy11a.livejournal.com]

Wooooo! How many publications is that now, you brainy chap? And just how many other ways of spelling zotz are there? Not like it's a difficult one to spell, just four letters and all that!

Guess this is more incentive for drpyrojames to get his finger out and do some work. He's been told that if he wants promotion, he has to have two PhD students finish and get a whole bundle of publications done. Still, promotion's overrated *grrr*

I'll be in Edinburgh from Sunday 20th for a few days and staying at the airport hotel.....