The American Genetic Association

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This genome aids studies on dispersal, sex ratios, and genetic diversity in vital coastal ecosystems.
Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding authors: www.researchgate.net... & www.eemb.ucsb.edu/pe...
#JHered

🌊 The surfgrass Phyllospadix torreyi, a keystone species of the North Pacific, now has a chromosome-level genome. Scientists describe a massive Y chromosome in males, shedding light on sex chromosome evolution in marine plants.
(Photo: marine.ucsc.edu/targ...)

However, CWD remains a significant risk, underscoring the need for ongoing management to protect Oregon’s elk populations.
Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net...
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🦌 Chronic wasting disease (CWD) threatens cervids worldwide. A recent study in Oregon elk reveals a high frequency of the PRNP variant 132L, which may confer some resistance.
(Photo: https://oregonwild.org/)

A new paper in Genome Resources presents a high-quality, chromosome-level reference genome, providing a vital tool for conservation efforts of this endangered subspecies.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: http://www.eutherial...
#JHered

The Texas ocelot (Leopardus pardalis albescens), a solitary and nocturnal feline of the Neotropics, faces increasing threats from habitat loss in the US.
(Photo Courtesy of the University of Texas Press.)

This work advances conservation genomics and provides valuable resources for studying adaptation and diversity in reindeer populations.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding authors: www.researchgate.net... & www.researchgate.net...
#JHered

New paper in Genome Resources: A high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly for wild alpine reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) from Norway, part of the Earth Biogenome Project. An improved genome for Svalbard reindeer enhances our understanding of these Arctic icons.
(Photo: Are G Nilsen)

This work highlights how integrating historical datasets with modern sequencing can enhance conservation efforts for declining populations.
Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: evogenomes.sites.ucs...
#JHered

🐻 In North American brown bears, short-read whole-genome sequencing achieved 94.5% concordance w/ traditional PCR, highlighting its potential for long-term genetic monitoring. Accurate results depend on sufficient coverage & careful interpretation.
(Photo © Francis C. Franklin; wikimedia commons)

Leveraging historical genomics can inform smarter conservation strategies amid taxonomic uncertainty and extirpation.
More here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding authors: erikrfunk.wordpress.com & science.sandiegozoo....
#JHered #PopGen #ConGen

🐭 Recent genomic analysis of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse reveals complex historical genetic patterns & supports taxonomic revision. Findings suggest reintroduction sites should consider ancestral connectivity & habitat suitability to boost resilience.
(Photo: sandiegozoo.org)

Graphic/photo from the paper.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net...
#JHered

🌵 The cactus moth, an invasive threat across the US and Caribbean, is impacting native cacti and prickly pear industries. This RNA-Seq study reveals stage- and sex-specific gene expression, providing new genetic insights to develop innovative control strategies, including gene editing.

This work provides new insights into the genetics of this unique life history strategy, including loss of parental care and coevolution with hosts.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: bondlsc.missouri.edu...
#JHered

Newly published paper shows how convergent evolution showcases nature’s adaptive power! The authors generated high-quality genomes for 10 brood parasitic birds with independent origins spanning 1.6 to 30 million years.
(Tree/photo from the paper)

Photo from the paper.
Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: scholar.google.com/c...
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The northern elephant seal, once near extinction with just a few survivors, is now a conservation success story! Thanks to the California Conservation Genomics Project, scientists have generated a high-quality reference genome to study its resilience, genetic diversity, and recovery.

Photo by Scopio from Noun Project (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net...
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🦒 Recent genomics research confirms four distinct giraffe species, revealing extensive hybridization in North American captive populations. To ensure effective conservation, authors recommend phasing out hybrids and creating new, genetically pure stocks through international collaboration.

Small populations face challenges in detecting adaptive variation—work such as this is crucial for conservation efforts.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding authors: peribolton.weebly.com & u.osu.edu/gibbslab/
#JHered

🧬 Out now! This study on the endangered eastern Massasauga rattlesnake reveals 218 candidate genes linked to disease response, highlighting genetic factors that may influence resistance to Snake Fungal Disease.
(Photo from the Gibbs Lab)

Modular genetics drives behavioral diversity in this iconic species.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: scholar.google.com/c...
#JHered

🧬 Here's an intriguing paper addressing how complex behaviors evolve. This study on white three-spined sticklebacks reveals that traits associated with loss of paternal care—like nest dispersal, courtship, and size—map to different genomic regions and evolve independently.

This high-quality resource provides another tool for advancing our understanding of adaptation, evolution, and conservation of rare, threatened species.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding authors: www.researchgate.net... & www.linkedin.com/in/...
#JHered

Another genome from the CCGP, this time the chromosome-level genome of Greene’s Tuctoria (Tuctoria greenei), an amphibious grass endemic to California’s vernal pools!
Photo: Sarah Gordon

Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: research.rug.nl/en/o...
#JHered

🌊 The green shore crab, Carcinus maenas, a top marine invader present on six continents, now has a high-quality reference genome! This breakthrough enables deeper insights into its invasion success and aids in managing invasive species.
Photo: nwtreatytribes.org/s...

This research provides insights into rapid local adaptation in changing environments.
More here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net...
Photo: swcoloradowildflower...
#JHered