In February 2020, our postdoc Ulla von Ammon embarked the Robert C. Seamans sailing ship to collect samples for comparing different sampling approaches. The first results of this study were recently presented at the DNAQUA International Conference.
We have started to employ modelling approaches to better understand and predict the dispersal of eDNA in the marine environment. Learn about our first field sampling campaign for testing whether the developed model can robustly predict where and when in the tidal cycle eDNA can be detected.
Learn how Martin Zirngibl is contributing his knowledge and skills gained in a human biology field to developing a rapid and easy-to-apply in-field test for the Mediterranean fanworm detection.
Our project is making a start using the endemic, green-lipped mussel (kutai) to develop artificial surfaces that are attractive to native species and make them want to settle and stay for the long haul. Such surfaces can then be incorporated into coastal infrastructure, a process referred to as ‘ecological engineering’.
Our recent experimental trials demonstrate that bubble streams are highly effective in controlling biofouling accumulation on experimental surfaces, and we are now keenly focused on developing operational systems to deploy in New Zealand’s ports and marinas
Holly Bowers joined our group as a visiting researcher and worked with the DETECT and ECONOMICS & DECISION-SUPPORT teams to define better (and more efficient) methods to capture nucleic acids (environmental DNA and RNA) from marine waters.
Our PostDoc researcher Ulla von Ammon has taken part in the SEA Semester® research cruise organized by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Ulla shared with us challenges and exciting moments experienced during the expedition. Do you want to learn more about how does it feel to be a molecular scientist on a sailing ship?
A paper by Susie Wood and colleagues presents the results of an aquarium experimental study, where eDNA and eRNA shedding rates and degradation were investigated for two marine invasive species.