Scientists Publicize Genome Map of Medicinal Herb

After over a year's efforts, scientists from Shanghai and Hong Kong have completed the whole genomic sequencing work of Isaria cicada, a rare herb highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine. It is the first time that the whole genomic sequence of Isaria cicada has been released, said the scientists from Shanghai Institute of Bio-Asia Life Science and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), who participated in the research. According to the result, the genomic size of Isaria cicada, a medicine traditionally used to treat children's diseases, is about one eightieth that of the human genome, containing about 16,000 genes. According to a HKUST scientist, the tests carried out proved that Isaria cicada, with many high-quality genes not yet known to or used by man, is deeply involved in important life processes like metabolism, providing new ways for further development of Isaria cicada in bio-medical area. The genome map will also help accelerate the artificial cultivation of Isaria cicada, enhancing its medicinal and nutrition value and making it available to a larger market.