Genomics Aotearoa

Featured image: Applying genomics to the taxonomic dilemma of threatened albatrosses

Applying genomics to the taxonomic dilemma of threatened albatrosses

Genomics Aotearoa • Jun 14, 2022

By Imogen Foote (Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington) A lack of consensus among international conservation regimes regarding albatross taxonomy makes management of these ocean roaming birds tricky. My PhD research aims to generate whole genome data for some of our most threatened albatrosses in a first attempt to bring their taxonomy into the genomic era. The albatross … Read More

Featured image: Understanding life in our waterways through metagenomics

Understanding life in our waterways through metagenomics

Genomics Aotearoa • Sep 03, 2021

By Michael Hoggard and Carmen Astudillo Garcia, University of Auckland The rapid development and extraordinary cost reductions of next-generation sequencing technologies has greatly increased data on the functioning of complex microbial communities. Although relatively new, metagenomics has already dramatically influenced our understanding of the microbial tree of life and the known virosphere via the genomic traces of organisms and viruses … Read More

Featured image: Genomic solutions for a plant taonga: a high-quality rewarewa genome

Genomic solutions for a plant taonga: a high-quality rewarewa genome

Genomics Aotearoa • Jun 09, 2021

[Illustration credit: “Seven Sisters, Knightia excelsa” Jennifer Duval-Smith ] By Plant & Food Research High Quality Genomes project co-leader David Chagné The completion of the native rewarewa (Knightia excelsa) tree genome sequence is demonstrating New Zealand is now taking charge of producing genomes on its native species. These are species that are important to us, and have taonga … Read More

Featured image: Indigenous Genomic Databases – two case studies

Indigenous Genomic Databases – two case studies

Genomics Aotearoa • May 26, 2021

By Phillip Wilcox, University of Otago, Ngāti Rakaipaaka, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa There is no one size fits all when it comes to designing research that fulfils cultural obligations, but two research exemplars from opposite ends of the world that incorporate Indigenous perspectives are providing potential direction. It’s hoped exemplars such as these will be able to guide … Read More

Featured image: Where are all the four-leaf clovers? And what does that have to do with learning to code?

Where are all the four-leaf clovers? And what does that have to do with learning to code?

Genomics Aotearoa • Mar 30, 2021

By Monica Vallender, Master’s student with AgResearch Invermay and the University of Otago. A few months ago, while home for the Christmas break, my mother – out of the blue – turned to me and asked, “what made you actually decide you wanted to go to university and study science?” Shocked and never thinking that I would someday have to … Read More

Featured image: Wasps are forever? The potential to eliminate an invasive pest in New Zealand; permissions withstanding

Wasps are forever? The potential to eliminate an invasive pest in New Zealand; permissions withstanding

Genomics Aotearoa • Dec 21, 2020

By Gemma McLaughlin, University of Otago PhD candidate Invasive social wasps have long plagued New Zealand’s beech forests and suburbs. Now, a  genetic technology holds the potential to stop such wasps in their tracks. But one major issue lurks: are scientists even allowed to explore this option? New Zealand summers are a great thing. We have our kiwi classics: … Read More

Featured image: Indigenous perspectives on unrestricted access to genomic data

Indigenous perspectives on unrestricted access to genomic data

Genomics Aotearoa • Sep 23, 2020

By Genomics Aotearoa researcher Maui Hudson, University of Waikato It is vital that genomics research respects genomic data and genetic heritage from indigenous communities. Genomics research is a rapidly growing field of study, and there is a strong push to make the huge amount of data being produced open source for all researchers to use – the rational being … Read More

Featured image: Tackling the hard issues – trust and relationships

Tackling the hard issues – trust and relationships

Genomics Aotearoa • Sep 15, 2020

By Claire Grant, Genomics Aotearoa Communications Manager Community consultation is becoming an increasingly important aspect of research programmes in New Zealand, and with that comes the art of relationship building. Engagement between scientists and user-groups is certainly nothing new. But as stakeholder involvement becomes more of a requirement for science, it becomes harder to define what constitutes effective consultation, and … Read More