KRISP Newsletter Feb 2020: Publication of a Genome Detective software for rapid identification of coronavirus genomes. Award from UKZN VC


In our February/March issue of 2020, we highlight our work on the current coronavirus outbreak. We published a software application for rapid identification and characterization of novel coronavirus genomes. Our quick response was lauded by the national and international media. In this issue, we also cover the award from UKZN vice-chancellor to Dr. Veron Ramsuran, launched a CRISPR-Cas9 laboratory and organized talks, exhibitions and training workshops.

KRISP Newsletter Feb 2020. Publication of a Genome Detective software for rapid identification of coronavirus genomes. Award from UKZN vice-chancellor to Dr. Veron Ramsuran and his acceptance to the African Academy of Science

Click on the picture above to download the newsletter in PDF format


This issue's highlights are:

- Software: Genome Detective Coronavirus Typing Tool for rapid identification & characterization of novel coronavirus genomes

- Science: How previous outbreaks prepared researchers for coronavirus

- Science: KRISP scientists quick action lauded by Nature

- Award: UKZN and KRISP Researcher Bags Prestigious Award

- Award: UKZN scientists make the African Academy of Science's Top 40 List

- Cutting-edge Lab: KRISP opens a CRISPR-Cas9 laboratory in collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific

- Exhibition: KRISP exhibit in the Innovation Festival 2020, Cato Manor, Durban, 5-7 March

- Publications: Genomic and Epidemiological Surveillance of Zika Virus in the Amazon Region

- Publications: Maternal Variants Within the Apolipoprotein L1 Gene Are Associated With Preeclampsia in a South African Cohort of African Ancestry

- Training: 4IR - UNIX/Linux Training, Durban, South Africa, 2-3 March 2020 - Application open

- Training: Workshop on Transcriptomics in collaboration with Harvard, MIT and Ragon Insitute, Durban, South Africa, 11-15 May 2020 - Application still open

The concept behind this newsletter is that anyone with 15 minutes to spare can learn about the work of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), which is a Platform of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Durban, South Africa.

KRISP wants to want to challenge the status quo and create a scientific environment in South Africa that drives innovations in global health and reverses the brain drain. A critical function of KRISP will be to make genomics, epigenetics and bioinformatics accessible to academic, industrial and commercial users.

News date: 2020-03-03

Links:

http://www.krisp.org.za/manuscripts/KRISPnewsletter_2_2020.pdf


KRISP has been created by the coordinated effort of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the South African Medical Research Countil (SAMRC).


Location: K-RITH Tower Building
Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, UKZN
719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa.
Director: Prof. Tulio de Oliveira