Category: Genomics

I’ve come across quite a few people who seem to believe that the existence of “viral” genomes and “viral” RNA or DNA sequences somehow proves the existence of “viruses.” One person even believed that the genome was a representation of purified/isolated “viruses.” Disregarding the fact that random A,C,T,G’s that exist only inside a computer database… Continue reading The Case Against “Viral” Genomes

When you understand that the process used to obtain a “viral” genome involves numerous complex steps each with their own ability to introduce biases, errors, artefacts, etc which can easily propagate into the final result, it becomes clear to see how the accuracy and reliability of a “viral” genome can be questioned. There are too… Continue reading Limitations in Genome Sequencing Technology and Data Analysis

What is truly revolutionary about molecular biology in the post-Watson-Crick era is that it has become digital…the machine code of the genes is uncannily computer-like.” -Richard Dawkins According to the Britannica, a genomic library is essentially “a collection of DNA fragments that make up the full-length genome of an organism. A genomic library is created… Continue reading The Challenges in Genome Library Construction

There are numerous steps that go into the creation of a genome, whether human, animal, bacterial, or “viral.” They are often complex and require various methods and technologies such as PCR amplification and sequencers in order to obtain the final product. As the process is a very intricate and complicated one, there are multiple ways… Continue reading DNA and RNA Shearing/Fragmentation

The critical first step to generate a genome after the cell culturing process is to extract the RNA from the mixture. The purpose of this is to break down and isolate RNA from any other cellular components and impurities that are within the culture supernatant. It is important to understand that through this process, they… Continue reading The Challenges Related to RNA Extraction for Genome Sequencing

Is there a danger, in molecular biology, that the accumulation of data will get so far ahead of its assimilation into a conceptual framework that the data will eventually prove an encumbrance? Part of the trouble is that excitement of the chase leaves little time for reflection. And there are grants for producing data, but… Continue reading The Epistemological Crisis in Genomics

Most clinical specimens and tissue culture samples to be used for viral genome sequencing are usually contaminated with human cells, other microorganisms and naked DNA and RNA from disrupted cells. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2638583/ When talking about the proof for the existence of “viruses,” it is logical to require that the particles believed to be a “virus” are… Continue reading Genome Contamination: A Widespread Problem

One argument people try to make as proof of “viruses” is the existence of “viral” genomes. They believe that if a genome can be sequenced from unpurified cell culture soup where a “virus” is assumed to exist, that this is proof enough that a “virus” actually physically exists. Looking beyond the irony of claiming random… Continue reading How Accurate and Reliable are Genomes?