Paw-prints and Genetic Clues

 

    In January of this year, a new research article was published about taking samples from the tracks of animals to study them. More specifically, in this case, it is the bobcat. These big cats are hard to observe since they are not commonly seen during the daytime, especially out in the open where it would be the easiest to observe them. The study presented shows that it is possible to collect viable DNA just from the tracks these hard-to-observe animals leave. This DNA was able to provide information about the animal's ancestry as well as the animal's unique microbial communities. They are calling this environmental DNA or eDNA when collected. 

    This is a huge break in the ways of observing animals, especially those who are not easily observable in the daytime and not often in open areas. This allows researchers to collect data from an animal without causing any interference and also very safely. Collecting eDNA is something important for collecting continuous information on more uncommon animals, even the rare ones! Having this option allows for an easy collection and much less stress for everyone involved. This will change the future of data collection for uncommon animals.

                                        

Resources:

(News Article): https://wildlife.org/bobcat-prints-lead-to-genetic-clues-about-the-species/

(Scientific Article): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320723004160?via%3Dihub

(Alternative Link): https://www.arlingtontx.gov/city_hall/departments/animal_services/urban_wildlife/urban_wildlife_animals/bobcat

Childhood Food Allergies Caused by a Combination of Genetic and Environmental Factors

Researches have found a link to child food allergies and genetic factors along with environmental factors. A specific combination of environmental factors and genetic factors can trigger infant and childhood food allergies. In order to trigger these allergies a child would have to have genetics that change the skin absorbency, have been exposed to infant wipes that leave soap on the skin, and have been exposed to allergens such as dust or food allergens. Joan Cook-Mills is a professor of allergy-immunology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and was the lead researcher on this study. She explained ways to prevent these environmental factors, which when combine with the genetic factors can cause childhood allergies. She said to, “Reduce baby’s skin exposure to the food allergens by washing your hands before handling the baby. Limit use of infant wipes that leave soap on the skin. Rinse soap off with water like we used to do years ago.” The soap in the wipes disrupts the skin barrier. This link between environmental and genetic factors that causes food allergies was discovered through clinical evidence of food allergies in humans and tests were done using neonatal mice models. The clinical evidence showed 35% of the children that were looked at who were looked at with food allergies, also had dermatitis. Dermatitis is caused by three different gene mutations that reduce the skin barrier. This study is helping to understand food allergies and how they develop which is important to know for developing more responsive medicine. Cook-Mills’ goal is to discover interventions that will more effectively respond to signals and block the development of food allergies.