Nature Research Centre’s Post

🚀 EMI Session at the World BioDiversity Forum! 🌍 Join us for a thought-provoking parallel session on the Earth Metabolome Initiative (EMI) at the WorldBioDiversity Forum in Davos. This session will emphasize learning from more advanced biodiversity characterization projects, particularly those focusing on genomics. We aim to extract valuable lessons from these initiatives to better inform the more recent EMI. Discussions will center on how to best combine efforts and foster collaboration between genomics and metabolomics to advance our understanding and conservation of biodiversity. 📅 Date: Thursday, June 20 🕤 Time: 09:30 – 11:00 📍 Location: Wisshorn Hall, Davos 🔍 Session Highlights: 1. The Earth Metabolome Initiative, an Introduction by Pierre-Marie Allard (Fribourg, Switzerland) 2. The Earth BioGenome Project: Progress on Biology’s Moonshot by Harris Lewin (Tempe, United States) The advancements of the EarthBiogenome Project in sequencing and characterizing the genomes of all Earth’s named eukaryotic species and discuss how these genomic insights can inform and guide the EMI. 3. Ocean Metabolomics for Marine Chemical Ecology and Drug Discovery Research by Deniz Tasdemir (Kiel, Germany) Learn about the untapped potential of marine natural products in ecological interactions and drug discovery, and how genomics can play a pivotal role in these discoveries. 4. Genomic Data Production Systems to Catalogue and Explore Eukaryotic Biodiversity by Robert Waterhouse (Lausanne, Switzerland) Understand how ERGA European Reference Genome Atlas integrates high-throughput molecular sequencing in biodiversity research and how these results can be leveraged for biodiversity conservation. 5. Molecular Features of Push-Pull Intercropping Systems in East Africa by Jakob Lang (Zurich, Switzerland) Investigate the chemical basis of the push-pull effect in increasing maize yields and reducing insect damage in African agriculture, showcasing the interplay between genomics and metabolomics. 👉 Conveners: Pierre-Marie Allard, COMMONS Lab, Université de Fribourg - Universität Freiburg Emmanuel Defossez, Functional Ecology Laboratory, University of Neuchâtel Meredith C Schuman, Spatial Genetics, University of Zurich 🗣️ We invite all researchers, practitioners, and societal actors to join us, contribute to discussions, and discuss the future of the Earth Metabolome Initiative. Let's unlock the treasure chest of chemodiversity together! 🌿🔬 #WorldBioDiversityForum #WBF2024 #Biodiversity #Chemodiversity #EarthMetabolomeInitiative #Genomics #OpenScience #conservation

Meet Our Keynote Speakers! 🎤 We're thrilled to unveil the lineup of keynote speakers for the thematic sessions at the 6th European Conference on Conservation Genetics: 1️⃣ Biodiversity assessment through the study of environmental DNA Keynote Speaker: Prof. Laura Epp 2️⃣ Consequences of introgression on adaptive potential and conservation policies Keynote Speaker: Prof. Richard Ennos 3️⃣  Inference of population dynamics to identify conservation measures Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jeanette Hall 4️⃣ Harnessing genetic diversity and evolutionary principles for population resilience and ecological restoration Keynote Speaker: Dr. Myriam Heuertz 5️⃣ Monitoring genetic diversity and effective population size Keynote Speaker: Dr. Alicia Mastretta Yanes 6️⃣ Stakeholders’ Session: "How to federate research assessing genetic diversity, from populations to ecosystems, among different scientific institutions in Switzerland and beyond and establish connections with other stakeholders (policy makers, NGOs, etc.)" Join us to explore collaborative projects and future perspectives. This session is included in the conference fee. However, people interested in participating uniquely in the stakeholders' session can register for free via the conference registration form. 🌐 Stay tuned for updates on outcomes from the workshop. https://lnkd.in/exgJbEpG Don't miss this opportunity to engage with leading experts in conservation genetics and shape the future of biodiversity conservation. See you at the conference! 🌿 More information coming soon! #ConservationGenetics #Research #ConservationPolicy #Biodiversity #Conference #Lausanne #ConGen24

A two-part webinar series focused on ABS (Access and Benefit Sharing), the Nagoya Protocol and DSI this upcoming April (on the 8th and the 24th)!! Please register and share!

How is our approach different from other nonprofits using genomics and biobanking to help biodiversity conservation? Take a minute to listen to our Scientific Director, molecular biologist and bioinformatician, Solenne Correard! Be sure to follow along to learn how you can engage and support our collaborative approach to scaling genetic research with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. Learn more at wiseancestors.org and stay tuned for the Wise Ancestors platform coming soon! Transcript below for translation purposes & accessibility:  “Hi everyone! I’m Solenne, Correard, the Scientific Director for Wise Ancestors! I'm excited to tell you about this new nonprofit. Wise Ancestors is using genomics and biobanking to help biodiversity conservation, but the difference from other existing initiatives is that the projects are co-developed with Indigenous people and local communities. This approach fills a gap that I've experienced in the past. Local people know what species to study, whether they are endangered, invasive, a food source, an essential component of an ecosystem, or any reason. So working together, we identify how western science can be applied to support the conservation work on the ground, and support the people who care about those species. In Wise Ancestor’s model, Indigenous science, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and Western science are recognized as three entities that can thrive on their own. And we, together with the local communities, want to show how powerful they can be when they're braided together without one taking over the other or any form of appropriation. So stay tuned to know how projects are co-developed to ensure collective benefits and respect of sovereignty principles. We will release our first conservation challenge very soon, and we're very excited about that. And you will see how we can use technologies to assist biodiversity conservation while supporting local communities doing the actual conservation work. If you've got any questions or any ideas, contact us or tell us in the comments. Bye!” #biodiversity #conservation #biobanking #genomics #research #Indigenous #science

Our data resources enable scientists to study evolutionary processes, ecosystem health and to gain insights to help inform conservation strategies. 🧬 Tools like the Biodiversity Portal and Ensembl Rapid Release provide quick access to new genome sequences. 🦠 MGnify offers insights into microbial communities and their role in ecosystem function. 💻 UniProt and Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe) allow scientists to explore the structure and function of proteins across species. Many of our resources also support projects like the Earth BioGenome Project and Darwin Tree of Life to help drive global biodiversity research 🌍 Learn more and find useful tools for your own biodiversity research. https://lnkd.in/ehZtjVqk #biodiversity #climatechange #opendata #alphafold EMBL European Nucleotide Archive

🌎 GEO BON EVENT at UN Biodiversity #COP16Colombia: - GENETIC DIVERSITY INDICATOR AND IMPLEMENTATION - The focus of this event will be monitoring Genetic Diversity, one of the three elements of biodiversity, a key part of Goal A and Target 4 of the KMBGF, and an important part of the KMBGF Monitoring Framework. The purpose of this workshop will be a general information and engagement session for delegates. We will start with a brief introduction to the importance of genetic diversity, including core concepts that explain why genetic diversity is fundamental for biodiversity conservation. We will then explain the science behind the indicators and how they are being tested, including some support tools available (such as tools available through BON in a Box). We will finish on the need to include genetic diversity in NBSAPs. This brief talk will be followed by an interactive session on how to establish and implement a monitoring program and tools needed. Speakers: - Dr. Alicia Mastretta-Yanes, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México  - Dr. Sean Hoban, the Morton Arboretum  - Dr. Deborah M Leigh, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL    ⏰ When: Oct 26th, 10:00 - 11:30 📍Where: AI2 | GEO | GEO BON Pavilion 📅 Add to your calendar 👉 https://lnkd.in/dH4j7PAQ

In the last #ERGAPlenary Professor Anne Muigai gave an inspiring talk about the African BioGenome Project - highlighting the project's goals and great achievements in the last few years 🌍 (Re)watch Anne's talk 👉 https://lnkd.in/exu-VwYF Earth BioGenome Project Biodiversity Genomics Europe #genomics #referencegenomes

New Blog: Discovering Biodiversity: The Bug Barcode Blitz 2024 in Western Australia. Western Australia's stunning and diverse landscapes are home to an incredible array of invertebrate species. To help uncover and document this biodiversity, the innovative WA Bug Barcode Blitz program has emerged.  As part of National Science Week, this program engages students and the community in STEM learning experiences and deepen their understanding of global diversity loss. Run by BioBarcode Australia Pty Ltd. and co-sponsored by Inspiring Western Australia (WA), the Murdoch University Harry Butler Institute, Promega Corporation , Fisher Biotec WA and Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF). AGRF plays an important role in supporting the Bug Barcode Blitz 2024 by providing Sanger Sequencing services, ensuring accurate and reliable sequencing to “barcode” the collected samples. 🔗 Click to read blog: https://lnkd.in/gwAv4cPQ 🐛 WA Bug Barcode Blitz event details: https://lnkd.in/gQ8XvBgV #NationalScienceWeek #agrf #Genomics #Biodiversity #BugBarcodeBlitz #WesternAustralia #Conservation #CitizenScience #BiodiversityResearch #WildlifeScience #Entomology #SustainableFuture #EcoInnovation #ScienceOutreach #NatureConservation #InsectDiversity #EnvironmentalResearch #BioDiscovery #SangerSequencing

🌿 Farewell to Paulo Afonso Neto from FRI 🌿 We recently farewelled Paulo Afonso Neto, who joined us as a visiting scholar and conducted research on invasive species management, focusing on the parasitic wasp Ophelimus maskelli. Though small, this insect presents challenges to Eucalyptus plantations globally. Paulo’s work has explored the genetic diversity and behavior of Ophelimus maskelli, providing insights into its adaptation and spread. He also used geographic information systems (GIS) to model the wasp’s distribution, helping to identify potential invasion hotspots and inform early intervention strategies. Collaborating with his supervisors, A/Prof Simon Lawson and Dr. Ton Stewart, Paulo has contributed to research aimed at reducing the impact of invasive species while considering the biodiversity in affected ecosystems. It’s been a pleasure to work with Paulo, and we look forward to seeing how his research develops in the future. 🌱 #InvasiveSpecies #Eucalyptus #Biodiversity #EnvironmentalManagement #Conservation #Sustainability #Research

🐠 Our team has published our research result in the Marine Biodiversity. Dive into our study on "Inventorizing marine biodiversity using eDNA data from Indonesian coral reefs: comparative high throughput analysis using different bioinformatic pipelines." 🔬 Our research delves into maximizing the detection of marine taxa in Indonesia by comparing various pipeline analyses, including Anacapa, QIIME2 with DADA2, QIIME2 with Deblur, and Galaxy, utilizing environmental DNA (eDNA) data primarily through Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. 📊 Our findings reveal that Anacapa, QIIME2 with DADA2, and Galaxy pipelines offer broader taxonomic coverage than QIIME2 with Deblur. Remarkably, Anacapa demonstrated the ability to detect taxa missed by other tested pipelines, showcasing its unique efficacy. 💡 By providing a comprehensive overview and comparative insights into commonly used bioinformatic approaches for analyzing eukaryotic marine biodiversity data from eDNA samples, our research contributes to advancing understanding and conservation efforts in marine ecosystems. 🔍 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gT74FPY2 #MarineBiodiversity #eDNA