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» Published on 25. Oktober 2021

Study identifies Sars-CoV-2 variant with a deletion in its genome

Existing analysis software fails to detect missing gene building blocks

Automated gene analyses of Sars-CoV-2 samples consistently miss gene segments in the virus genome that have undergone deletion due to mutations. This is revealed in a new study by researchers at Bielefeld University’s Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) and the Evangelical Hospital Bethel (EvKB), one of the supporting hospitals of Medical School OWL. The research team was able to show that a large part of the ORF8 gene segment was missing in the samples it analysed. This gene region is thought to contribute to delaying defensive reactions in the human body. If it is missing, there is a chance that the virus will become less pathogenic, meaning that it will cause less serious disease. The research team has published its findings in the journal ‘Viruses’.

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» Published on 25. Oktober 2021

Joint signing of Data Literacy Charter

Bielefeld University, Paderborn University and Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences advocate teaching data literacy

The Data Literacy Charter highlights data literacy as an essential part of general education. Its signatories share a common understanding of data literacy and its importance for educational processes. Bielefeld University, Paderborn University and Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences have now jointly signed the Data Literacy Charter. The two universities and the University of Applied Sciences have been involved in the DataLiteracySkills@OWL project to teach data literacy since 2019. By signing the charter, the two universities and the University of Applied Sciences commit to taking measures to spread the understanding of data literacy and to strengthen the associated competencies.

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