A brand new strategy to acquiring DNA from elephant dung is quicker, cheaper and extra complete than earlier strategies, researchers report. Pictured: African savanna elephants in Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa. Credit: Rudi van Aarde
A brand new DNA-collection strategy permits scientists to seize genetic data from wildlife with out disturbing the animals or placing their very own security in jeopardy. The protocol, examined on elephant dung, yielded sufficient DNA to sequence entire genomes not solely of the elephants but additionally of the related microbes, vegetation, parasites and different organisms—at a fraction of the price of present approaches.
The researchers report their findings within the journal Frontiers in Genetics.
“We mixed current methodologies in such a means that we at the moment are in a position to make use of noninvasive samples to generate genome-scale knowledge,” stated Alida de Flamingh, a postdoctoral researcher on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who led the work with U. of I. animal sciences professor Alfred Roca. “This permits us to evaluate wildlife populations with out having to dart, seize or immobilize animals.”
Collecting DNA from elephant dung just isn’t new, Roca stated.
“Elephant fecal samples have been used for many years to check the genetics of elephants,” he stated. “But this depends on very cumbersome strategies, typically involving chemical compounds that in some instances could also be harmful. The collections are cumbersome, they’re onerous to ship and so they should be refrigerated, making the entire course of very pricey.”
De Flamingh examined a comparatively cheap various: utilizing postcard-sized data-collection playing cards which have been handled to forestall the samples from degrading. Previous analysis has proven that when samples are smeared on the playing cards, they are often saved for months with out refrigeration.
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2023-01-12 00:00:02 Team streamlines DNA assortment and evaluation for wildlife conservation
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