Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #aDNA
Most recents (6)
Our paper ‘Current applications and future promise of genetic/genomic data for conservation in an Aotearoa New Zealand context’ is now available as an open-access peer-reviewed report in @docgovtnz’s Science for Conservation series: doc.govt.nz/globalassets/d… 🧵1/7
To support conservation practitioners in identifying appropriate tools to inform conservation management, we review opportunities, challenges and costs associated with available & emerging tools, incl #pedigrees, #microsatellites, #genomes, #eDNA, #aDNA, #pangenomes & more! 2/7
This is a dynamic field, & costs (incl 💰🕒🥼🖥️) are rapidly changing. With >300 references, we hope this paper will be a useful resource for #conservation researchers & practitioners keen to apply the #conservation toolbox, esp. in an Aotearoa context. 3/7 
Our wolf paper is out! nature.com/articles/s4158… Analysing 72 ancient 🐺 genomes from the last 100,000 years, we: #1 chart wolf natural history through the Ice Age, #2 directly detect natural selection, #3 reveal that dogs have dual ancestry. A 🧵 (11), illustrations by @jessrpeto
Wolf history: Throughout the Ice Age, wolf genomes cluster by time, not by geography—implying continuous homogenization of ancestry at a global scale. Genetic differentiation was remarkably low (FST < 3%)—an order of magnitude lower than today—demonstrating global connectivity.
Despite the pervasive gene flow, small amounts of deep, local ancestry persists in Europe and other Eurasian regions, meaning that wolf populations here did not go locally extinct. The wolf species thus seem to have fared well during the dramatic climate changes of the Ice Age.
New #OpenAccess paper out today in @Nature! We present new #AncientDNA data on ancient African foragers (people who hunted, gathered, & fished), including what are now the oldest #aDNA sequences from sub-Saharan Africa! 1/21 🧵 nature.com/articles/s4158…
For an easily digestible summary of what we were looking for & what we found, check out our archaeologically-focused companion piece in @TheConversationUS by me, @archaeochica & @prendydigs theconversation.com/ancient-dna-he… 2/21
Paper itself is the product of a 5+ years work by 44 authors from 19 countries incl @prendydigs @archaeochica @kathrynranhorn @KendraSirak @johnwarthur @AyodoDr @BertacchiAlex @MatthewCCurtis @AGidna @KatongoMaggie @Myra__Laird @endiema @ogola_christine @WilloughbyPam @DJ_Kennett
The callous nature of our 'immigration' system manifests itself into daily horrors
When we campaigned for the end of Yarl's wood style detention facilities did we imagine that this would lead into a further lowering of standards in 'open accommodation'
theguardian.com/global-develop…
When we campaigned for the end of Yarl's wood style detention facilities did we imagine that this would lead into a further lowering of standards in 'open accommodation'
theguardian.com/global-develop…
'open' facilities like Brigstock house are staffed and families are essentially under a curfewed house arrest.
UKBA documents outlining it's plans claim that vulnerable families with specific medical needs are “not suitable for the open accommodation.”
refugeecouncil.org.uk/information/re…
UKBA documents outlining it's plans claim that vulnerable families with specific medical needs are “not suitable for the open accommodation.”
refugeecouncil.org.uk/information/re…
UK’s history shows that they disregard such concerns unless forced to revise its decisions by campaigners/courts
100's of torture victims, people with HIV, pregnant women, children & people with serious medical problems have been swallowed by the brutal detention machine
100's of torture victims, people with HIV, pregnant women, children & people with serious medical problems have been swallowed by the brutal detention machine
Our article on the origin and health status of first-generation Africans from the Viceroyalty of New Spain is out now in @CurrentBiology! disq.us/t/3o8nra4 Here’s the #thread in case you can’t make the complete read:
These African individuals were first noted by @MezaAbigail and colleagues to be not Native Americans and found in a hospital which was dedicated to care exclusively for the indigenous population of the Viceroyalty of the #NewSpain
Here’s a look at the excavation site: (from: arqueologiamexicana.mx/mexico-antiguo…)
New paper out today in @Nature with @prendydigs, @smaceachern2, @ICrevecoeur & others! Pleased to be part of this team presenting the 1st #ancientDNA sequences out of West/Central Africa from 4 kids who have us rethinking #archaeology & #humanorigins. nature.com/articles/s4158… 1/n
We sequenced #aDNA from 2 pairs of kids buried at the amazing site of Shum Laka in the ‘Grassfields’ region of Cameroon – 4 & 15 year old boys who died ~8000 years ago, & an 8yo boy & 4yo girl from ~3000 years ago. The site spans the important Stone to Metal Age transition. 2/n
Cameroon is VERY interesting to archaeologists because that’s where Bantu languages likely originated, and the people who spoke them who spread out across much of sub-Saharan Africa after ~4000 years ago. Were the children at Shum Laka part of this population? 3/n
