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Dumaguete City, PhilippinesMonday, July 30, 2012
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Scientists explore use of genomic
research in coral reef protection

Genomic research, first pioneered in human health and medicine, is now being used to study the health of coral reef ecosystems and fisheries, providing new ways to protect and understand these important resources.

This was announced by scientists in a conference held recently in Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, its press release said.

Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute said these advances were brought to the Philippines by the first Pan-Pacific Advanced Studies Institute on genomic applications to marine science in Southeast Asia that ended last week.

Sixty researchers and students from nine countries met in Silliman to discuss “next generation” DNA sequencing at the 10-day conference funded by the United States National Science Foundation.

Conference participants heard from experts and discussed whether genomic technologies could help meet the challenges of managing marine species like climate change, harvest, and species ranges that span international boundaries. The meeting also offered hands-on tutorials on bioinformatics, cloud computing, and genetic simulations, the press release said.

“We are going through a transition from genetics to genomics,” Santos said, as he noted that while traditional genetics involves studying a handful of genes, genomics looks across thousands of markers in an organism’s entire complement of DNA.

Conference organizer Dr. Demian Willette of Old Dominion University, USA, said there is plan to provide a road map on how to navigate next gen research in marine ecosystems.

Genetic and genomic tools are becoming increasingly available to marine scientists addressing some of the most pressing questions in food security, conservation of threatened marine species, and climate change, the press release also said.

The PacASI has served as the first step in educating and training Philippine and regional marine scientists in applying these tools, it added.*

 

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