Genetic Content

CRISPR a Tool for Conservation, Not Just Gene Editing

Katherine E Kerlin — May 21, 2020 - 9:19am

The gene-editing technology CRISPR has been used for a variety of agricultural and public health purposes — from growing disease-resistant crops to, more recently, a diagnostic test for the virus that causes COVID-19.

Now a study involving fish that look nearly identical to the endangered Delta smelt finds that CRISPR can be a conservation and resource management tool, as well. The researchers think its ability to rapidly detect and differentiate among species could revolutionize environmental monitoring.

Southern California Mountain Lions’ Genetic Connectivity Dangerously Low

Katherine E Kerlin — June 14, 2017 - 11:00am

If a dangerously inbred puma population in Southern California is to survive in the future, an urgent need for genetic connectivity must be met, according to two scientific papers from a team of researchers coordinated by the University of California, Davis, and involving scientists at the University of Wyoming and the University of Massachusetts–Amherst.

Genomics Breakthrough Paves Way for Climate-Tolerant Wine Grape Varieties

Patricia Bailey — October 17, 2016 - 3:29pm

A new genome sequencing process, used to assemble the genome of cabernet sauvignon, the world's most popular red wine grape variety, should make it possible to develop new high quality wine grape varieties that can tolerate climate change.

Mosquito Preference for Human Versus Animal Biting Has Genetic Basis

Katherine E Kerlin — September 15, 2016 - 10:58am

Mosquitoes are more likely to feed on cattle than on humans if they carry a specific chromosomal rearrangement in their genome. This reduces their odds of transmitting the malaria parasite, according to a University of California, Davis, study published Sept. 15 in the journal PLOS Genetics.