Molecular Genetic Analysis Used To Solve Wildlife Crimes

 

        Wildlife crimes are a major cause for biodiversity loss around the world. Cruelty cases of poisoning and poaching are still a problem in 2025, however with the help of a study written by Dr. Kahila Bar-Gal from Hebrew University's Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, a solution seems to be approaching.

        Bar-Gal introduces a forensic approach, using advanced genetic tools can assist local conservation authorities by accessing their data bases. Their research plan points out the quantity and quality of the DNA that has been extracted from the crime scene are mostly limited because of the lack of preservation. This is why a thorough plan is crucial before laboratory work and all marker and methodological choices should prioritize the case's solving. 

    This particular study focuses on the poisoning of the critically endangered Eurasian griffon vulture and poaching of mountain gazelles in Israel. Each instance required multi-layered molecular genetic analysis such as identification of the species at hand, assignment of population, and comparing the DNA to the local and global databases.    

Figure I: Israeli mountain gazelles

    This research is incredibly important for the preservation of critically endangered species and biodiversity as a whole. Dr. Bar-Gal's method can help authorities and environmental lawsuits worldwide as undeniable proof wildlife crime was committed. 

Sources:

https://phys.org/news/2025-07-genetic-forensics-method-complex-wildlife.html 

https://international.huji.ac.il/news/cracking-case-new-methods-solve-complex-wildlife-crimes 

Myriad Genetics and its Future growth

 Myriad Genetics is an upcoming genetic company that recently been making heavy breakthroughs on research involving genome detecting diseases. Recently they have began to receive heavy funding which will allow them to make large headway into the research that they had planed but lacked funding to put into effect.  Being that they lead the research in hereditary cancer I hope myriad continues to gain support and funding to perhaps eventually find a cure for these seemingly hopeless diseases. 

Link 1:https://myriad.com

Link 2:https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/05/03/2221226/15459/en/Myriad-Genetics-to-Update-Progress-on-Transformation-Plan-and-Growth-Initiatives-Share-Long-Term-Financial-Outlook-at-2021-Investor-Day.html