SEQUENCE # 8: New technologies, real solutions
Published: June 7th 2019There’s no denying genomics is cool. The study of genes and their functions is adding to our understanding of every living thing. But there’s more to genomics than the wow factor. Genomic technologies are driving solutions for our resource industries, human health, and the environment.
One of the most promising new genomic technologies is eDNA, an environmental monitoring tool that identifies species’ DNA from their genetic material (scales, fur, feces, etc.) collected in water or land samples. It’s non-invasive, accurate and relatively inexpensive. In Atlantic Canada, Parks Canada is using eDNA to track invasive chain pickerel in Nova Scotia’s Kejimkujik National Park. EDNA led scientists at New Brunswick’s Canadian Rivers Institute to a unique population of Saint John River striped bass thought to be lost forever. And in St. John’s, NL, The Centre for Environmental Applications (CEGA) is using eDNA to conduct environmental monitoring around the province’s offshore oil and gas platforms.
But how effective is eDNA in extreme turbulent marine conditions? Could it, for example, be used to monitor marine species-at-risk in a place like the Bay of Fundy’s Minas Passage where 160 billion tons of seawater flow through twice a day driven by the world’s highest tides? That’s what Stantec’s Dr. Marc Skinner wanted to find out when we partnered with him, the Offshore Energy Research Association of NS (OERA), the University of Guelph and Dalhousie University on a unique eDNA test using Dalhousie’s Aquatron. The results so far are promising. Check out the article and our two new videos with Marc! (Scroll down the article for the second video.)
Another environmental use for genomics is in remediating contaminated industrial sites like abandoned mines. Saint Mary’s University’s Dr. Linda Campbell, world-renowned researcher in the field of environmental contamination, is partnering with Genome Atlantic (with support from the NS Department of Energy and Mines) to explore biological solutions to the age-old problem of remediating toxic arsenic and mercury in tailings from legacy gold mining sites.
In human health, genomics contributes to improved diagnosis and treatment of cancers and inherited and infectious diseases. Sequence Bio, a biotechnology company based in St. John’s, NL, is launching its NL Genome Project this summer to study the unique genetic makeup of Newfoundland and Labrador – with the ultimate aim of improving treatments and health outcomes. Genome Atlantic recently caught up with Sequence Bio CEO and co-founder Chris Gardner for an update on the company’s ambitious plans and goals.
We also take a closer look at how genomics is being used to track genes that contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a big problem for the agri-food industry and the health of Canadians. Dalhousie University’s Dr. Rob Beiko is at the forefront of this new science, and he shares with us some of the cutting-edge tools that he’s developing to combat AMR.
In the last issue of Sequence, we told you how apple researchers across Canada are pooling their information and innovations to bring new apples to market more quickly. It’s all about developing new varieties that grow best in local conditions, says Dalhousie University’s Dr. Sean Myles. Find out how scientists like Myles are using genomic selection to develop varieties more quickly and how this could help Maritime apple producers.
Lastly, Genome Atlantic is hosting the 7th International Symposium on Applied Microbiology and Molecular Systems (ISMOS-7) from June 18-21 in Halifax. ISMOS is the world’s leading conference on microbiology and molecular biology in the oil and gas industry, and a forum where delegates from industry and academia come together to discuss how emerging microbial and molecular tools can help solve some of the industry’s biggest challenges like biocorrosion and sustainable oil extraction.
Registration is still open (editor’s note: registration is now closed) but it’s filling up fast so don’t miss out. Hope you can join us for a great program and a fun time!