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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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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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Researchers Unmask Centuries-old Elephant Imposter

November 4, 2013

Researchers Unmask Centuries-old Elephant Imposter

Through state-of-the-art ancient DNA and protein research and an exhaustive investigation of historical literature, researchers have determined a 300-year-old type specimen for Asian elephants is actually an African elephant.

Assistant Professor of Animal Sciences Alfred Roca, left, with Research Specialist Yasuko Ishida


November 4, 2013


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