|
Giant panda genome to be sequenced
April 02, 2008Cardiff University is contributing to the first genome project to assist conservation efforts for an endangered species.
Researchers in the Cardiff School of Biosciences will work with international colleagues on the 'Giant Panda Genome Project'.
The panda is often referred to as a 'living fossil', given evidence that its ancestors existed in China more than 8 million years ago. Research by Professor Mike Bruford, Cardiff School of Biosciences, previously found that the decline of the species can be linked directly to human activities rather than a genetic inability to adapt and evolve.
However, little research has been done on a genomic scale. The giant panda genome is approximately the same size as the human genome, and is thought to have 20,000-30,000 genes. Taxonomy and genetic studies indicate that the giant panda is most closely related to bears, not to raccoons as was once considered, given their unique physical characteristics.
Professor Bruford said: "This international collaboration will help scientists to understand the genetic basis for the giant panda's unique adaptations, including its dietary specialisation, and will reveal the history of the species in unparalleled detail."
The project is a further example of conservation work of international significance undertaken by the School of Biosciences' Biodiversity and Ecology Research Group.
This week Wales' Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing Jane Davidson learned more about Cardiff's conservation research at the opening of the Group's new research facilities.
Jane Davidson, AM said: "Jane Davidson, said: "I am delighted to see the important biodiversity research that is taking place in the Cardiff School of Bioscience. Protecting biodiversity - so that it can provide essential ecosystem services that will help us to deal with social, economic and environmental changes - will be an essential ingredient of our success in achieving the future we want for Wales."
Cardiff University
However, little research has been done on a genomic scale. The giant panda genome is approximately the same size as the human genome, and is thought to have 20,000-30,000 genes. Taxonomy and genetic studies indicate that the giant panda is most closely related to bears, not to raccoons as was once considered, given their unique physical characteristics.
Professor Bruford said: "This international collaboration will help scientists to understand the genetic basis for the giant panda's unique adaptations, including its dietary specialisation, and will reveal the history of the species in unparalleled detail."
The project is a further example of conservation work of international significance undertaken by the School of Biosciences' Biodiversity and Ecology Research Group.
This week Wales' Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing Jane Davidson learned more about Cardiff's conservation research at the opening of the Group's new research facilities.
Jane Davidson, AM said: "Jane Davidson, said: "I am delighted to see the important biodiversity research that is taking place in the Cardiff School of Bioscience. Protecting biodiversity - so that it can provide essential ecosystem services that will help us to deal with social, economic and environmental changes - will be an essential ingredient of our success in achieving the future we want for Wales."
Cardiff University
Endangered Species News and Current Endangered Species Events RSSNew population of highly threatened greater bamboo lemur found in Madagascar
Researchers in Madagascar have confirmed the existence of a population of greater bamboo lemurs more than 400 kilometers (240 miles) from the only other place where the Critically Endangered species is known to live, raising hopes for its survival.
Ouch! Taking a Shot at Plague: Vaccine Offers Hope for Endangered Ferrets in Plague Outbreak
Endangered black-footed ferrets, like children, aren't exactly lining up to be stuck with a vaccine, but in an effort to help control an extensive outbreak of plague in South Dakota, some of the ferrets are getting dosed with a vaccine given by biologists.
The exotic side of veterinary science
The last 10 years has seen a huge increase in the popularity of exotic pets. Among the weird and wonderful animals being kept in our homes are monkeys, tarantulas, iguanas, salamanders, snakes, even hedgehogs.
Pollination Habits of Endangered Texas Rice Revealed to Help Its Preservation
A type of wild rice that only grows in a small stretch of the San Marcos River is likely so rare because it plays the sexual reproduction game poorly, a study led by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin has revealed.
NOAA report states half of US coral reefs in 'poor' or 'fair' condition
Nearly half of U.S. coral reef ecosystems are considered to be in "poor" or "fair" condition according to a new NOAA analysis of the health of coral reefs under U.S. jurisdiction.
A bitter pill to swallow
Two reports from TRAFFIC, the world's largest wildlife trade monitoring network, on traditional medicine systems in Cambodia and Vietnam suggest that illegal wildlife trade, including entire tiger skeletons, and unsustainable harvesting is depleting the region's rich and varied biodiversity and putting the primary healthcare resource of millions at risk.
Passports for penguins
Ground-breaking technology that will enable biologists to identify and monitor large numbers of endangered animals, from butterflies to whales, without being captured, will be shown to the public for the first time at this year's Royal Society Summer Science exhibition [30 June to 3 July].
First successful reverse vasectomy on endangered species performed at the National Zoo
Veterinarians at the Smithsonian's National Zoo have performed the first successful reverse vasectomy on a Przewalski's horse (E. ferus przewalskii; E. caballus przewalskii -classification debated), pronounced zshah-VAL-skeez.
Virginia Tech researchers find human virus in chimpanzees
After studying chimpanzees in the wilds of Tanzania's Mahale Mountains National Park for the past year as part of a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, Virginia Tech researcher Dr. Taranjit Kaur and her team have produced powerful scientific evidence that chimpanzees are becoming sick from viral infectious diseases they have likely contracted from humans.
New CITES quotas allow more caviar export, further jeopardize endangered sturgeon
In a decision that could jeopardize already imperiled sturgeons, more caviar will be exported from Caspian Sea and Amur River states this year as a result of unacceptably permissive new trade quotas announced Thursday by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
More Endangered Species News Articles
 | Tuna: A Love Story by Richard Ellis |
 | Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? Board Book by Bill Martin, Eric Carle |
 | Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams, Mark Carwardine |
 | The Future of Life by Edward O. Wilson |
 | Gone Wild (Caldecott Honor Book) |
 | Endangered Species (Anna Pigeon Mysteries) by Nevada Barr |
 | X-Men: Endangered Species by Mike Carey, Chris Yost, Christos Gage |
 | Porch Talk: Stories of Decency, Common Sense, and Other Endangered Species by Philip Gulley |
 | Renewing America's Food Traditions: Saving and Savoring the Continent's Most Endangered Foods |
 | The Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinction by David Quammen |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |