Amidst the dire biodiversity crisis, underscored by a staggering 69% drop in global animal populations since 1970, experts are turning to an innovative solution to help avert species extinction. Analogous to how egg-freezing offers humans the option to delay fertility, the technique of cryo-freezing
Amidst the dire biodiversity crisis, underscored by a staggering 69% drop in global animal populations since 1970, experts are turning to an innovative solution to help avertextinction. Analogous to how egg-freezing offers humans the option to delay fertility, the technique of cryo-freezing animal genetic samples might be pivotal in halting the decline of various species., highlights the profound promise of cryobanks, or living cell banks, in addressing global conservation challenges.
Additionally, genetic samples of 50% of the species currently listed as extinct in the wild are already represented within the SDZWA Frozen Zoo, but sampling from the zoological community can increase this number to 91% – potentially providing a critical lifeline for these species on the brink of extinction.
Oliver A. Ryder, Kleberg Endowed Director of Conservation Genetics, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, says: “Dr. Kurt Benirschke started the Frozen Zoo in 1975 and hundreds of samples continue to be added each year. Due to his foresight, we have cell lines from species and individuals banked decades ago, some that had not reproduced. Their genetic diversity is not represented in current populations but is available for future genetic rescue through the samples in the Frozen Zoo.”
While the example of the northern white rhino is an eleventh-hour attempt to save the subspecies, study authors stress the importance of proactively prioritizing species and establishing a global cryobanking database to ensure conservation actions can be taken much sooner.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Imprisoned scientist who gene-edited babies wanted to transform the human speciesA scientist imprisoned for editing the genes of babies says he wants to transform our species and make gene-edited humans.
Read more »
– Scientists Discover New “Cryptic” Species of Leaf-Tailed GeckoA global team of scientists has identified and named a new species of leaf-tailed gecko from northern Madagascar, known as Uroplatus garamaso. Leaf-tailed geckos are masters of camouflage. Some species have skin flaps around the whole body and head, complemented by flat tails. During the day, they
Read more »
Ecuador to reintroduce species on Galapagos islandEcuador's government has announced it will spend $3.4 million on reintroducing 12 endemic bird and turtle species that have disappeared from an island in the Galapagos archipelago where Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution.
Read more »
Scientists find evidence of sea star species hybridizationScientists have long suspected two species of sea stars—commonly referred to as starfish—along rocky European and North American coastlines of crossbreeding in the cool waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Now, according to recently analyzed genomic data, hybrid starfish are living and thriving, from the shores of New England to the Canadian Maritimes.
Read more »
Ancient bacteria species among the first of its kind to colonize landA species of bacteria that lived 407 million years ago would have flourished among early land plants.
Read more »
Red fire ants, an invasive species with a painful sting, have spread to EuropeThe red fire ant, one of the world’s most invasive species, has been found inEurope for the first time, according to a new study published Monday.
Read more »