A new era of conservation is beginning as scientists from Stanford University and the National Centre for Biological Sciences at India’s Tata Institute of Fundamental Research develop a revolutionary method for gathering genetic information. This groundbreaking technique, which is both rapid and cost-effective, allows for the extraction of vital data from degraded materials such as feces, skin or saliva left by elusive and endangered species. It also works on food suspected to contain endangered animals’ content.
A Game-Changer in Wildlife Conservation
The fast and inexpensive technique represents a significant breakthrough for wildlife conservationists who often struggle to collect DNA samples from rare and elusive animals. The method employs cutting-edge science, specifically, a multiplex PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) and subsequent next-generation sequencing. This process involves identifying numerous DNA segments in a single experiment and decoding several DNA fragments multiple times simultaneously in an automated procedure. Extensive testing on species like Caribbean queen conches and tigers confirmed the effectiveness of this innovative approach.
The Wonder of Multiplex PCR
Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) represents the future of genetics. It’s a system that enables the amplification of various DNA sequences during the same period. The power of Multiplex PCR cannot be overstated – it’s a vital component of the new method designed to extract genetic information with ease and speed.
Key Facts About Multiplex PCR
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Multiplex PCR | A method that allows for simultaneous amplification of multiple DNA sequences. |
| Significance | It allows for faster, efficient extraction of genetic information from hard-to-obtain sources such as feces, skin, or saliva. |
| Use in Conservation | Enables conservationists to retrieve genetic details about elusive and endangered species. |
Creating a Three-Person Baby
In a separate but equally exciting development, a team of Greek and Spanish doctors successfully created a baby using genetic material from two women and a man in Greece. The pioneering technique employed, known as ‘Maternal Spindle transfer’, involves combining the DNA of the mother and a donor woman’s egg, which is then fertilized with the father’s sperm. Primarily, this procedure enhances existing IVF treatments for mothers suffering from mitochondrial diseases, although some medical professionals consider it controversial.
IVF and Maternal Spindle Transfer
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an established medical procedure where mature egg cells are retrieved from a woman, fertilized by male sperm outside the woman’s body, and then inserted into the same or another woman’s womb for normal gestation. In Maternal Spindle Transfer, however, the egg cell used is a combination of genetic material from the mother and a donor egg, providing new hope to women with mitochondrial diseases.
Bold Kurukshetra: A Summary
BOLD KURUKSHETRA 2019, the 12th edition of India and Singapore’s joint military exercise, was held at the Babina Military Station, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, and concluded on the 11th of April, 2019. This four-day long training focused on enhancing interoperability and teamwork during joint tactical operations within mechanized warfare. The successful exercise was part of an agreement signed in November 2017 to boost defense ties between the Indian Military and Singapore Armed Forces, which included mutual training and firing exercises.