Technical Applications
Technology applications of genomics – and other molecular-based tools – are increasingly being used to assess risks to wildlife populations and to evaluate ecosystem change in a comprehensive way. By identifying effects of environmental stressors on lower levels of biological organization, such as the subcellular level, specific and sensitive biochemical endpoints can also provide valuable information about the impacts of ecosystem change. However, untested assumptions and uncertain linkages to One Health outcomes can limit the value and implementation of these technologies in conservation-based science programs.
In addition to helping to develop indicators of changes to wildlife and ecosystem health, our field and lab-based research also aims to improve inference related to molecular and biochemical approaches and to validate the use of new techniques for evaluating threats to biodiversity.
Performance of stable isotope mixing models (Dr. Bob Clark, Environment & Climate Change Canada and Dr. Hank Classen, University of Saskatchewan): To identify factors affecting the accuracy of biomarker-based estimates of animal diet, we tested the performance of isotope models experimentally, feeding captive birds isotopically distinct diets under tightly controlled environmental conditions. Manuscript accepted.
Shell pigmentation and contaminant levels in eggs (Drs Jesús Gómez and Oscar Gordo, Independent Researchers and Jordyn Stalwick): To evaluate whether pigmentation characteristics of birds’ eggs are linked to egg levels of contaminants, such as mercury or persistent organic pollutants, we are studying semipalmated sandpiper eggs laid at Arctic sites.
iTrackDNA interlab PCR assay validation (Project lead: Dr. Caren Helbing, University of Victoria): By participating in inter-lab comparisons of quantitative PCR assays, our team is contributing to a collaborative effort to break down barriers regarding the use of environmental DNA in research and decision making.
Tissue fractionation models for eggs in captive killdeer (Dr. Keith Hobson, Environment & Climate Change Canada and Western University): We conducted captive diet trials with egg-laying shorebirds and will use the resulting data to evaluate how nutrients are allocated for reproduction.
Factors affecting detection of arthropod DNA in avian feces (Christina Desnoyers, M.Sc., University of Saskatchewan): Christina worked with data from a captive feeding experiment, designing and implementing a multiplex qPCR assay to test if molecular analyses of feces can be used to quantify the composition of a mixed, arthropod-based diet in birds. Defended in 2022.
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Enhancing techniques to quantify lead in large tissue samples (Lynsey Bent, M.Sc. in progress): For this part of her thesis, Lynsey is working to bridge the gap between traditional (medical radiography) and advanced imaging technologies (synchrotron biomedical imaging) for quantifying lead present in hunted animal remains.
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Describing arthropod diversity with molecular tools (Xavier St-Jacques, Undergraduate research assistant, University of Saskatchewan): Xavier is contributing to multiple aspects of our eDNA program. In addition to receiving training on traditional and digital PCR platforms and assisting with qPCR validations, he is also working with genetic sequences from northern-collected arthropod fauna to describe patterns in biodiversity.
Kynurenine Tryptophan Ratio (KTR): a cross-species marker of exposure to environmental contaminants (Laiba Jamshed, Ph.D. in progress, Advised by Dr. Alison Holloway, McMaster University): Under Dr. Holloway's guidance, Laiba is investigating the impact of environmental contaminants on the metabolic functions of mammals, birds, and fish, aiming to determine if the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway is a unifying mechanism explaining metabolic toxicity of these compounds across species. She will work on a translational study, conducting both in vitro and in vivo exposures to a plasticizer and comparing the ratio of kynurenine to tryptophan to investigate mechanisms of action.
