Nature Scales : From Plants to Cells to DNA

Choosing wisely who to mate with has important implications for the origin and maintenance of species. But can a choice be made after mating or by organisms that don't even mate? In this talk, I'll try to expand our appreciation of mate choice in plants and animals.

Recent events like the SARS-CoV2 outbreak remind us of the ongoing threat viruses pose to human health. While vaccines are crucial, predicting future outbreaks is challenging. Instead of constantly retro-actively discovering vaccines, we could enhance our natural defenses within our cells to fight off a variety of infectious agents like viruses.

Welcome to the world of environmental DNA (eDNA), a cutting-edge tool that functions like Nature's own crime scene investigation unit. eDNA analysis involves the collection and extraction of genetic material left behind by organisms in the environment, allowing scientists to detect and monitor biodiversity without the need to physically see or disturb the animals. This talk will shed light on some of the scientific processes behind eDNA analysis, revealing how tiny traces of DNA are answering big questions in wildlife conservation, and providing insights that were previously highly challenging to obtain.