Canada & Spain collaborate on three genomics projects

A scientific cooperation agreement between Genome Canada and Genoma Espana has led to three jointly funded research projects worth $17 million and aimed at placing the two nations at the international forefront of specific niche sectors. The projects involve the Ontario Genomics Institute (OGI), Genome British Columbia and Genome Atlantic. The OGI project, led by Dr Stephen Scherer, will explore the link between long stretches of nearly identical DNA in humans and genetics mutations affecting mental health and the development of common diseases. The Genome BC project focuses on grape genomics leading to disease- and pest-resistant plant varieties requiring fewer chemical treatments. The Atlantic project — led by the National Research Council’s Institute for Marine Biology — will examine two flatfish species whose numbers are declining — halibut in Canada and Senegal Sole in Spain. The projects were chosen for outstanding science and commercial potential….