News Release
Media Contact: Fred Strohl
Communications and External Relations
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Audio Spot: ORNL, JGI collaborate on study in Nature

 
 Audio Clip  
OAK RIDGE, Tenn., March 11, 2008 — ORNL's collaborations with DOE's Joint Genome Institute, located in Walnut Creek, Calif., continue. The JGI-led genome analysis of the symbiotic fungus Laccaria bicolor was published in Nature early this month. The Environmental Sciences Division's Jerry Tuskan helped lead the international effort that included ORNL and a host of institutions from the United States, France, Belgium, Sweden and Germany.

The interest in Laccaria stems from the mutual relationship the mushroom has developed with certain trees. The tree roots incorporate the fungus, which through the development of mycorrhizal roots help provide scarce nutrients to the tree while the tree gives the fungus a safe harbor.

For the full press release, go to the DOE Joint Genome Institute website at:

http://www.jgi.doe.gov/News/news_3_5_08.html.