Help Sequence The Explosive Bombardier Beetle Genome! I am writing for your support and vote to help us win PacBio’s World’s Most Interesting Genome contest. My team aims to unravel the mysteries of the explosive bombardier beetle (Brachinus elongatulus), a species that repels predators with rapid-fire, precisely- aimed explosive discharges of a toxic chemical mix at over 100°C, earning them lead roles in media and culture.
We propose sequencing the genome of the bombardier beetle to generate a resource and model system for insect chemical biosynthesis, fill a major gap in our knowledge of the tree of life, and provide an unparalleled opportunity to advance understanding of biodiversity and evolutionary biology among the general public. Our team's proposal to sequence the bombardier beetle's genome has been selected as one of 5 finalists to undergo a popular vote for the world's most interesting genome. More than 200 proposals were submitted to the PacBio 2017 Plant and Animal SMRT Grant Program. The final winner is selected by popular vote. We need your VOTE on the PacBio website to help us win this competition: http://www.pacb.com/smrt-science/smrt- grant/pag2017/explosive-beetle/ You can vote today and everyday through April 5th. You can use up to 3 email addresses to vote per day. Learn more about our research and watch the bombardier beetle’s CHEMICAL CANNON in action on this website: http://www.pacb.com/smrt-science/smrt-grant/pag2017/explosive- beetle/ Thank you for supporting Team Explosive Bombardier Beetle! Tanya #SeqtheBeetle -- Tanya Renner, Ph.D. Assistant Professor San Diego State University Department of Biology North Life Sciences 230 5500 Campanile Dr. San Diego, CA 92182-4614 tren...@mail.sdsu.edu www.tanyarenner.org
