Monday, December 31, 2007

Genome

In biology the genome of an organism is its whole hereditary information and is encoded in the DNA (or, for some viruses, RNA). This includes both the genes and the non-coding sequences of the DNA. The term was coined in 1920 by Hans Winkler, Professor of Botany at the University of Hamburg, Germany, as a portmanteau of the words gene and chromosome.[1]

More precisely, the genome of an organism is a complete DNA sequence of one set of chromosomes; for example, one of the two sets that a diploid individual carries in every somatic cell. The term genome can be applied specifically to mean the complete set of nuclear DNA (i.e., the "nuclear genome") but can also be applied to organelles that contain their own DNA, as with the mitochondrial genome or the chloroplast genome. When people say that the genome of a sexually reproducing species has been "sequenced," typically they are referring to a determination of the sequences of one set of autosomes and one of each type of sex chromosome, which together represent both of the possible sexes. Even in species that exist in only one sex, what is described as "a genome sequence" may be a composite from the chromosomes of various individuals. In general use, the phrase "genetic makeup" is sometimes used conversationally to mean the genome of a particular individual or organism. The study of the global properties of genomes of related organisms is usually referred to as genomics, which distinguishes it from genetics which generally studies the properties of single genes or groups of genes.

Both the number of base pairs and the number of genes vary widely from one species to another, and there is little connection between the two. At present, the highest known number of genes is around 60,000, for the protozoan causing trichomoniasis (see List of sequenced eukaryotic genomes), almost three times as many as in the human genome.

An analogy to the human genome is that of a book:

  • The book is over one billion words long.
  • The book is bound in 5,000 300 page volumes.
  • The book fits into a cell nucleus the size of a pinpoint.
  • A copy of the book (all 5000 volumes) is contained in every cell (except red blood cells) as a strand of DNA over two metres in length.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genome

Sunday, December 30, 2007

LG 32LB75 Review

LG's 32LB75 forms part of the Korean manufacturers 'Design Art' range of LCD TV's and without a doubt this screen demands to be noticed. If your tastes are conservative this LG may not be for you, but here at HDTVorg we loved the looks. Leaving behind the clunkiness of old LG's the LB75's arced bottom, glossy finish and dark red barrel (connecting the screen to its stand) produce a rather chic piece of kit.

Picture processing technology on the 32LB75 comes in the shape of LG's proprietary XD engine. The XD Engine brings together a range of picture processing enhancements under the XD umbrella, with particular emphasis on improving the input signal quality.

The good news is that the 32LB75 has made great strides for LG with its SD performance. Most notable is the lack of video noise which has plagued LG's of old. Pictures are much sharper and more detailed and perhaps most impressive this is now an LG able to cope with fast moving pictures. Gone is the intrusiveness of motion blurring even in the most demanding situations. The SD performance of LG's 32LB75 is not flawless, but it is enough to place it into a leading pack of LCD TV's in this respect.

http://hdtvorg.co.uk/news/articles/2007123002.htm

Hitachi goes Ultra Slim with Wooo

Coming in at a depth of just 35mm, the unusually named 'Wooo' series of LCD's from Hitachi are due to make their debut on these shores this Spring.

Initially available as LCD monitors, the Wooo range will expand in October 2008 with the addition of a separate box holding a Freeview tuner and extra connectivity.

Although the removal of the of some of the Wooo's innards goes some way to explain its ultra slim profile, Hitachi has also employed some innovative light-diffusing wizardry at the back of their new panels to shave those extra few millimeters from its width.

Available in 32in, 37in and 42in sizes, all of the Wooo range of LCD TV's apart from the 32in model will come equipped with Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolutions. Prices for these slim screens from Hitachi are likely to start at around £1200 for the 32in model with prices for the larger panels yet to be confirmed.

http://hdtvorg.co.uk/news/articles/2007123001.htm