Genetic Barcodes: A Key to Conservation?

There is a fascinating initiative on genetic testing that may prove a valuable tool in conservation efforts worldwide. The Consortium for the Barcode of Life is identifying DNA barcodes – “a very short genetic sequence from a standard part of the genome the way a supermarket scanner distinguishes products using the black stripes of the Universal Product Code.”

The research may help protect illegal trade of natural resources, like food and timber, or help scientists better identify the routes migrating species. Already the DNA barcodes of over 31,000 species of plants and animals have been identified.

The scientists, who include members from organizations from around the globe like the U.S. Smithsonian Institute, National Museums of Kenya, Universidad de los Andes and, my alma mater, University of Connecticut, hope to identify 500,000 species in the near future and build up a reference library of species.

/sci-tech/article/23075The tests themselves are quick and inexpensive, can be done in a few hours for about $2. When a barcode is identified the information can be used to determine if illegal trading has occurred, like with timber.

(from ENN) “Once a tree has been cut up into boards it’s very hard to identify …. without the branches, roots and bark it’s very hard to identify,” David Schindel of the U.S. Smithsonian Institution who is executive secretary of the Consortium for the Barcode of Life, told Reuters. “Barcoding can help.” “This has not gone to a court of law yet but in the next year or two I think we will see more and more cases where barcoding has provided the smoking pistol,” he said.

Pretty cool stuff I think, you can learn more at Consortium for the Barcode of Life.

Via ENN