Social Amoeba

Dictyostelium discoideum, the social amoeba, is a soil-dwelling unicellular protist which forms fruiting bodies made of many cells that aggregate under starvation. Its genome has a very high AT percentage and can help us learn about the evolution of amoebae and how multicellularity happens. Authors: Lucas Bartolomé Grosso, Joan Ortiz Badia, Marc Pedra Vilalta

Corn plant

Maize cobs typically have an even number of rows — it’s a cool quirk of plant biology—. Regardless of the variety, kernels rows follow a predictable pattern, with most types having between 8 and 20 rows. This happens because of the way maize develops, ensuring the total number of rows is almost always an even…

Zombie-ant fungus

Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is valued in local traditions for its medicinal properties. It contains cordycepin, known for its anti-inflammatory and potential anticancer effects. Additionally, it supports kidney health and may help manage depression and diabetes. de Bekker, C., Ohm, R. A., Loreto, R. G., Sebastian, A., Albert, I., Merrow, M., Brachmann, A., & Hughes, D. P….

Yellow fever mosquito

Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, is a vector for several viral diseases, including yellow fever. Its genome is approximately 1.38 Gb in size, with around 15,000 genes. This improved reference genome provides valuable insights into its biology and can inform strategies for controlling arbovirus transmission. Author: Manel Gómez García

Jewel wasp

Nasonia vitripennis is a parasitic wasp species used as a model organism in evolutionary genetics research. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding insect genetics, development, and parasitic relationships. 10.1126/science.1178028 (Jan 15, 2010)

Axolotl

Ambystoma mexicanum, the axolotl, is a salamander species capable of regenerating lost body parts, including limbs and spinal cord. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding regeneration mechanisms and evolution. 10.1038/nature25458 (Jan 24, 2018)

Brewer’s yeast

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker’s yeast, is a model organism used in biotechnology and genetics research. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding yeast biology and cellular processes. 10.1126/science.274.5287.546 (Oct 25, 1996)

Rhesus monkey

Macaca mulatta, the rhesus macaque, is a widely studied primate species used as a model organism in biomedical research. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding primate genetics, evolution, and human diseases. 10.1126/science.1139247 (Apr 13, 2007)

Domestic silkworm

Bombyx mori, the silkworm, is a domesticated insect species used for silk production. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding silk production, insect genetics, and developing transgenic silkmoth strains. 10.1093/dnares/11.1.27 (Feb 1, 2004)

Honey bee

Apis mellifera, the western honeybee, plays a crucial role in pollination and honey production. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding bee biology, behavior, and factors affecting bee health. 10.1038/nature05260 (Oct 26, 2006)