In a world first, the entire genome of every individual of the kākāpō species will be sequenced, giving researchers the ‘code’ to all living birds (and a few long-dead ones, too). This is vital information in the quest to solve the kākāpō’s biggest problems, granting the world’s weirdest parrot its best chance at long-term survival
Backed by Alistair Brown, Boh Runga, Dan Knox, Judi Lapsley Miller, Amy Billings, Walter Korman, Adam Rutherford, Clinton Newth-Harris, William Krossner, Stafford Marquardt, and 311 other backers
since its isolation from the mainland ∼10,000 years ago. Our results provide evidence that small populations can survive even when isolated for hundreds of generations. This work provides key insights into kākāpō breeding and recovery and more generally into the application of genetic tools in conservation efforts for endangered Jason Howard Spatial Transcriptomics species.
Over 15 years of experience in genomics and transcriptomics, with the last 5 years focused on spatial biology and single-cell genomics. Tested several NGS technologies for an international genome sequencing project led by BGI, Duke University, and the University of Copenhagen. Provided technical expertise for clients interested in spatial transcriptomics, and single-cell multi-omics. Authorship in over 20 peer-reviewed publications and over 6,500 citations.
A molecular neuroethological approach for identifying and characterizing a cascade of behaviorally regulated genes