PRESS-NEWS.org - Press Release Distribution
PRESS RELEASES DISTRIBUTION

Researchers identify genetic fingerprints of endangered conifers

The world's largest Podocarpaceae collection in Bochum

2013-12-02
(Press-News.org) Contact information: Dr. Christian Schulz
Christian.Schulz-3@rub.de
49-234-322-5579
Ruhr-University Bochum
Researchers identify genetic fingerprints of endangered conifers The world's largest Podocarpaceae collection in Bochum

In the tropics and subtropics, many evergreen conifers are endangered. Biologists at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) have collected the world's largest Podocarpaceae collection. Together with colleagues from The New York Botanical Garden, they sequenced characteristic parts of the DNA of these conifers in order to generate a "DNA barcode" for each species. With the help of this genetic fingerprint, unknown individuals can be assigned to the respective Podocarpaceae species, which are often very similar in appearance. Thus, individuals of endangered populations can be identified more easily. The team reports in the journal "PLOS ONE".

Many Podocarpaceae are difficult or impossible to identify

"The distribution ranges of many Podocarpaceae are very small and often inhabited by only a few scattered individuals – unlike our native European conifer forests that cover large areas," says Dr Patrick Knopf from the RUB Department of Evolution and Biodiversity of Plants. "There are only about ten individuals left of one species native to Fiji." In order to protect the few rare representatives of the endangered species, it is necessary to identify the species first. "In case of Podocarpaceae, it is difficult or even impossible to identify them only by their appearance," explains the RUB biologist Dr Christian Schulz. "That's why we've launched the DNA barcoding project."

Propagating and exchanging of endangered species

The researchers from Bochum collected 320 individuals from 145 Podocarpaceae species on field trips to South America, South-East Asia, Australia, New Caledonia and Fiji. At the Botanical Garden's Pfizer Plant Research Laboratory, they worked with Garden scientist Dr. Damon Little to generate DNA barcodes for all of the individuals, which they subsequently provided on the online platform "GenBank". In addition, they created a living Podocarpaceae collection in the Botanic Garden of the Ruhr-Universität which promotes the protection of rare and endangered species. The Bochum team propagate the species and pass them on to other botanic gardens worldwide.

Relevance in the timber industry and cancer research

Podocarpaceae constitute the second-largest conifer family. They grow mainly in mountainous regions in the Southern hemisphere. The timber of many of the 198 species is of great economic interest because of its excellent insect and fungus resistance. Certain substances in their leaves, moreover, are playing an increasingly important role in cancer research. The Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN) currently includes 27 Podocarpaceae species. In total, 86 species are endangered.



INFORMATION:

Bibliographic record

D.P. Little, P. Knopf, C. Schulz (2013): DNA barcode identification of Podocarpaceae – the second largest conifer family, PLOS ONE, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081008

Further information

Dr Christian Schulz, Department of Evolution and Biodiversity of Plants, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at the Ruhr-Universität, 44780 Bochum, Germany, phone +49/234/32-25579, email: Christian.Schulz-3@rub.de

Dr Patrick Knopf, Department of Evolution and Biodiversity of Plants, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at the Ruhr-Universität, 44780 Bochum, Germany, phone +49/234/32-28064, email: Patrick.Knopf@rub.de

One click away

Link to the original article

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0081008

Editor: Dr Julia Weiler



ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

The heart's own stem cells play their part in regeneration

2013-12-02
The heart's own stem cells play their part in regeneration Sca1 stem cells replace steadily aging heart muscle cells This news release is available in German. Up until a few years ago, the common school of thought held that the mammalian heart ...

Researchers pinpoint superbug resistance protein

2013-12-02
Researchers pinpoint superbug resistance protein Researchers have identified a resistance protein that allows bacteria to survive chlorhexidine, a disinfectant commonly used in wipes, cleansers and mouthwashes in hospitals. A study led jointly ...

Snapshots differentiate molecules from their mirror image

2013-12-02
Snapshots differentiate molecules from their mirror image Max Planck researchers are able to reveal the spatial structure of chiral molecules This news release is available in German. Small difference, large effect: Most biological molecules ...

Junk food and poor oral health increase risk of premature heart disease

2013-12-02
Junk food and poor oral health increase risk of premature heart disease The association between poor oral health and increased risk of cardiovascular disease should make the reduction of sugars such as those contained in junk food, particularly fizzy drinks, an important ...

How a legless, leaping fish that lives on land avoids predators

2013-12-02
How a legless, leaping fish that lives on land avoids predators SYDNEY: One of the world's strangest animals – a legless, leaping fish that lives on land - uses camouflage to avoid attacks by predators such as birds, lizards and crabs, new research ...

Telescope to track space junk using youth radio station

2013-12-02
Telescope to track space junk using youth radio station Inaugural results reveal enormous potential of SKA precursor A combination of pop songs, talkback radio and cutting-edge science has enabled Australian astronomers to identify ...

Mild hypothermia as a treatment for CNS injuries: Positive or negative effects?

2013-12-02
Mild hypothermia as a treatment for CNS injuries: Positive or negative effects? There are few data on the effectiveness and mechanism underlying mild hypothermia in the treatment of central nervous system injuries. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the potentially ...

Treatment of malignant glioma using hyperthermia

2013-12-02
Treatment of malignant glioma using hyperthermia Malignant glioma is very sensitive to heat. Prof. Yunlong Ge and team from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China used a brain tumor hyperthermia apparatus to treat malignant glioma patients, ...

Valproic acid promotes neuronal regeneration after brachial plexus avulsion

2013-12-02
Valproic acid promotes neuronal regeneration after brachial plexus avulsion Brachial plexus root avulsion is the most serious type of peripheral nerve injury. Valproic acid has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects and promote neurite outgrowth in several ...

Joint EORTC-ESTRO session to focus on current developments in soft tissue sarcoma treatment

2013-12-02
Joint EORTC-ESTRO session to focus on current developments in soft tissue sarcoma treatment The EORTC will host a joint session with ESTRO at ESTRO 33 focusing on current developments in soft tissue sarcoma treatment. It will take place from 14:30– ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

Graz researchers discover what stiffens the aorta

Breakthrough in atomic-level etching of hafnium oxide, a promising material for advanced semiconductors

How evolution explains autism rates in humans

Swedish psychologist transforms mental health access through digital therapy revolution

Centenarian neuroscientist inspires blueprint for vibrant longevity through mentorship and connection

King’s College London researcher advances psychiatric genomics through pioneering polygenic scoring innovations

Study questions ocean origin of organics in Enceladus’s plumes

Look out for the keyhole: How to find the safest spots to deflect a hazardous asteroid

The older we get, the fewer favorite songs we have

Face‑/edge‑shared 3D perovskitoid single crystals with suppressed ion migration for stable X‑ray detector

Multiple solutions help fly embryos overcome the fundamental problem of ‘tissue tectonic collision’

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs pose hidden risks for young women

Strategies for enhancing energy‑level matching in perovskite solar cells: An energy flow perspective

3D‑printed boron‑nitrogen doped carbon electrodes for sustainable wastewater treatment via MPECVD

Screening anionic groups within zwitterionic additives for eliminating hydrogen evolution and dendrites in aqueous zinc ion batteries

New tectonic geodynamics textbook bridges scientific disciplines

Tiny and powerful – metamaterial lenses for your phones and drones

Study used AI models to improve prediction of chronic kidney disease progression to end stage renal disease

Peanut shell biochar composite shows promise for removing antibiotic-resistant bacteria from aquaculture wastewater

Compact genetic light switches transform disease control

Sunglasses for plants, and sustainable agriculture

Nearly half of those with diabetes unaware they have the disease

Emergency department visits by uninsured children in Texas soar 45% after COVID-era federal funding ends

Bright children from poorer backgrounds twice as likely to receive hospital mental health treatment than affluent high-achievers

‘Artificial cartilage’ could improve arthritis treatment

Breathing device could have profound impact on survival for people with sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes

Artificial intelligence assessment indicates stress levels in farmed Amazonian fish

Keith Cole receives grant to conduct integrated research on mobility, cognition and aging

Internationally recognized malaria researcher Stefan Kappe, Ph.D., appointed new director of the UM School of Medicine's Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health

Lung cancer genetics study launches open-source data platform to research community

[Press-News.org] Researchers identify genetic fingerprints of endangered conifers
The world's largest Podocarpaceae collection in Bochum