Background: Halophilic prokaryotes are adapted to thrive in extreme conditions of salinity. Identification and analysis of distinct macromolecular characteristics of halophiles provide insight into the factors responsible for their adaptation to high-salt environments. The current report presents an extensive and systematic comparative analysis of genome and proteome composition of halophilic and non-halophilic microorganisms, with a view to identify such macromolecular signatures of haloadaptation. Results: Comparative analysis of the genomes and proteomes of halophiles and non-halophiles reveals some common trends in halophiles that transcend the boundary of phylogenetic relationship and the genomic GC-content of the species. At the protein level, halophilic species are characterized by low hydrophobicity, over-representation of acidic residues, especially Asp, under-representation of Cys, lower propensities for helix formation and higher propensities for coil structure. At the DNA l

Scientists have unearthed hundreds of animal fossils which they believe will give clues to the formation of the American continent.

If they had super-powerful telescopes, it might look like what the Deep Impact probe recently saw from its vantage point 50 million km away

If they had super-powerful telescopes, it might look like what the Deep Impact probe recently saw from its vantage point 50 million km away

The British Columbia (BC) Sustainable Energy Association has rolled out a project called Clean Energy Classrooms. The project features a two-part directory to all of Canada's currently available training and education options in renewable energy. It is run by Renewable Recruits, a green energy promotions and recruiting firm.