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Team streamlines DNA collection, analysis for elephant conservation

January 12, 2023

A new DNA-collection approach allows scientists to capture genetic information from elephants without disturbing the animals or putting their own safety in jeopardy. The protocol, tested on elephant dung, yielded enough DNA to sequence whole genomes not only of the elephants but also of the associated microbes, plants, parasites and other organisms – at a fraction of the cost of current approaches.


January 12, 2023


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New IGB center uses Indigenous Science frameworks for equitable and inclusive research

November 21, 2022

The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology is excited to announce the new Center for Indigenous Science, which aims to create a place for cutting edge research and training in Indigenous Science. The center will be headed by Jenny L. Davis, co-Chair of the Center and Associate Professor of American Indian Studies, and Ripan S. Malhi (GNDP/GSP/IGOH), co-Chair of the Center and Professor of Anthropology.


November 21, 2022


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New grant awarded to study the importance of salmon to the Kenaitze Indian Tribe

September 24, 2022

A community-based project, conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in collaboration with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe and Kenai Peninsula College, has been awarded a $1,017,215 grant by the National Science Foundation. The project will map the use of salmon as a cultural keystone species of Dena’ina peoples.


September 24, 2022


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New study investigates the microbiomes of dogs across the world

June 21, 2022

Although the microbiome—the collection of all microbes that live in the body—in the fecal matter of dogs has been investigated extensively, those studies have mostly been limited to domesticated dogs. In a new study, researchers have sampled the fecal microbiomes across diverse geographical populations to better understand what they look like around the world.


June 21, 2022


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15 Years of IGB: Welcoming increased representation through DEI efforts

June 13, 2022

Scientific pursuits often require examining a problem from different angles in order to gain a complete understanding. Such an undertaking often requires multiple researchers, each with a unique skill set. But what happens when certain voices are ignored over and over, in favor of others? It breeds inequality that weakens our science and our sense of community.

DEI


June 13, 2022


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Reducing the carbon footprint through single-use plastics reuse

February 25, 2022

A staggering 5.5 million tons of single-use plastics are generated each year by science labs, negating 83% of the world’s recycled plastics. A team at Illinois was recently awarded a $81,865 grant to reduce dependency on single-use plastics by developing protocols for plastics reuse.


February 25, 2022


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Using a multipronged approach to investigate the diet of ancient dogs

February 24, 2021

Coprolites, or fossilized dog feces, are often used to understand the dietary preferences of ancient civilizations. However, the samples are often contaminated, making the analysis difficult. A new study, published in Scientific Reports, uses different techniques to improve the investigation of coprolites. 


February 24, 2021


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Study tracks elephant tusks from 16th century shipwreck

December 17, 2020

In 1533, the Bom Jesus – a Portuguese trading vessel carrying 40 tons of cargo including gold, silver, copper and more than 100 elephant tusks – sank off the coast of Africa near present-day Namibia. The wreck was found in 2008, and scientists say they now have determined the source of much of the ivory recovered from the ship.


December 17, 2020


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New IGB research theme takes closer look at protection of genomic data

September 18, 2019

Genomic technologies have the power to transform individual healthcare for the better. But with that power comes responsibility—the responsibility to protect the privacy of the individual and to make ethical choices that respect the rights of communities and populations.


September 18, 2019


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