scholarly journals Holocene DNA sequences – a dream come true

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anushree Sanyal ◽  
Josefine Larsson ◽  
Falkje van Wirdum ◽  
Thomas Andrén ◽  
Matthias Moros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Change ◽  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Marine Diatom ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Chaetoceros Muelleri ◽  
Resting Spores

AbstractMicroscopic marine planktons have played a major role in the Earth’s ecosystem and accounts for half the globe’s primary production. Predicting the fate of marine planktons is imperative to understanding how ocean life will change in future centuries and how organisms have adapted to changes in the past over long timescales (over thousands of years). Studies of revived resting spores of marine diatoms will serve as excellent proxies of environmental change in marine environments. Thus far, only about a century old marine diatom resting spores could be revived. This severely limited the use of diatom resting spores to investigate the effects of environmental perturbations over longer time scales. Here, we, for the first time report revival of thousands of years old resting spores from the deposits of ancient diatoms (Chaetoceros) in sub-seafloor sediments using a revival protocol that involved recreating the ancient environmental conditions (salinity, temperature and light). Our revived diatom resting spores samples range from recent (0-80 years) to ∼7200 years old. Importantly, we also extracted the DNA from the ancient resting spores of Chaetoceros species from the Baltic Sea. Our findings will enable us to compare DNA sequence data obtained from these natural archives of resurrected organisms and provide predictive models to forecast evolutionary responses of natural populations to environmental changes resulting from natural and anthropogenic stressors, including climate changeSignificance StatementOur results address the important topic of adaptive evolution in marine species due to climate and environmental change induced due to anthropogenic perturbations. We present a new model system Chaetoceros muelleri which will help us address important evolutionary and long-term adaptation questions across evolutionary timescales. Our study reports (1) the revival of recent (0-80 years) to ancient (7200 years old) resting spores of Chaetoceros (2) the extraction of DNA and amplification of chloroplast and ribosomal genes from recent and ancient (∼1300 years old) resting spores of Chaetoceros (3) Radiocarbon dating to determine age of sediments (4) Identification of species by reviving the resting spores (5) Baltic sea an excellent ecosystem to study long-term effects of environment on species adaptation

Pleistocene–Holocene environmental change in the Canary Archipelago as inferred from the stable isotope composition of land snail shells

2011 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 658-669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yurena Yanes ◽  
Crayton J. Yapp ◽  
Miguel Ibáñez ◽  
María R. Alonso ◽  
Julio De-la-Nuez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Change ◽  
Canary Islands ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Isotope Composition ◽  
Moving Average ◽  
Land Snail ◽  
Balance Model ◽  
Low Latitude ◽  
The Times

AbstractThe isotopic composition of land snail shells was analyzed to investigate environmental changes in the eastern Canary Islands (28–29°N) over the last ~ 50 ka. Shell δ13C values range from −8.9‰ to 3.8‰. At various times during the glacial interval (~ 15 to ~ 50 ka), moving average shell δ13C values were 3‰ higher than today, suggesting a larger proportion of C4 plants at those periods. Shell δ18O values range from −1.9‰ to 4.5‰, with moving average δ18O values exhibiting a noisy but long-term increase from 0.1‰ at ~ 50 ka to 1.6–1.8‰ during the LGM (~ 15–22 ka). Subsequently, the moving average δ18O values range from 0.0‰ at ~ 12 ka to 0.9‰ at present. Calculations using a published snail flux balance model for δ18O, constrained by regional temperatures and ocean δ18O values, suggest that relative humidity at the times of snail activity fluctuated but exhibited a long-term decline over the last ~ 50 ka, eventually resulting in the current semiarid conditions of the eastern Canary Islands (consistent with the aridification process in the nearby Sahara). Thus, low-latitude oceanic island land snail shells may be isotopic archives of glacial to interglacial and tropical/subtropical environmental change.

Assessment of recent environmental changes in New Brunswick (Canada) lakes based on paleolimnological shifts in diatom species assemblages

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Anne Harris ◽  
Brian F. Cumming ◽  
John P. Smol
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
New Brunswick ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Species Assemblages ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Diatom Species ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Recent Climate

New Brunswick lakes are subjected to multiple environmental stressors, such as atmospheric acid deposition and climate change. In the absence of long-term environmental data, the impacts of these stressors are not well understood. Long-term effects of environmental change on diatom species assemblages were assessed in the sediments of 16 New Brunswick lakes using paleolimnological approaches. A regional trend of increasing Cyclotella stelligera Cleve & Gunrow and decreasing Aulacoseira species complex was recorded in most lakes. Detailed paleolimnological analyses of Wolfe, Cundy, and West Long lakes revealed varying degrees of species change, with assemblage shifts beginning ca. 1900 CE (common era). These species trends are not consistent with acidification. However, linear regression of mean July temperature with time for two New Brunswick historical instrumental temperature records revealed statistically significant warming over the past century. The shift from heavily silicified tychoplanktonic Aulacoseira species to small planktonic diatom species, such as C. stelligera, is consistent with paleolimnological inferences of warming trends recorded in several other lake regions of the Northern Hemisphere. These assemblage shifts are likely due to recent climate change and may be mediated by reduced ice cover and (or) increased thermal stability (decreased lake mixing) during the open water period.

scholarly journals Spatio-Temporal Variation in Stable Isotope and Elemental Composition of Key-Species Reflect Environmental changes in the Baltic Sea

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla LIENART ◽  
Andrius GARBARAS ◽  
Susanne QVARFORDT ◽  
Jakob WALVE ◽  
Agnes ML Karlson
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Elemental Composition ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Food Web Structure ◽  
Open Sea ◽  
Key Species

Abstract Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios are increasingly used to study long-term change in food web structure and nutrient cycling. Whether isotope composition in primary producers and consumers (so-called isotope baselines) reflect environmental changes in a similar manner is largely unknown. We take advantage of long-term oceanographic monitoring data and archived biological samples for the well-studied Baltic Sea to retrospectively analyse elemental composition (C, N and P) and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) in the filamentous ephemeral macroalgae Cladophora spp. and in blue mussel Mytilus edulis trossulus from three contrasting regions (coastal Bothnian Sea and Baltic proper, open sea central Baltic) with the aim to statistically link the observed spatial and interannual (8–24 years’ time-series) variability in elemental and isotope baselines with environmental changes. We find clear differences in isotope baselines between the two major Baltic Sea basins. However, the temporal development in Mytilus δ13C was remarkably similar among regions and, at the open sea station, mussels and algae δ13C also correlated over time, likely reflecting a global Baltic Sea or Northern Hemisphere pattern. In contrast, δ15N of both taxa responded to regional and local drivers (water nutrient concentrations). δ15N in source amino acids allowed detection of diazotrophic N signal in Mytilus, which was masked in bulk δ15N. Finally, Cladophora N:P reflected regional nutrient levels in the water while P %, which differed for both taxa, was linked to food quality for Mytilus. This study highlights the potential of a multi-taxa and multi-stable isotope approach to understand nutrient dynamics and monitor long-term environmental changes.

scholarly journals Re-evaluating inheritance in genome evolution: widespread transfer of LINEs between species

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atma M. Ivancevic ◽  
R. Daniel Kortschak ◽  
Terry Bertozzi ◽  
David L. Adelson
Keyword(s):  
Genome Evolution ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Mobile Dna ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
New Host ◽  
Transfer Event ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
Foreign Dna

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences, colloquially known as ‘jumping genes’ because of their ability to replicate to new genomic locations. Given a vector of transfer (e.g. tick or virus), TEs can jump further: between organisms or species in a process known as horizontal transfer (HT). Here we propose that LINE-1 (L1) and Bovine-B (BovB), the two most abundant TE families in mammals, were initially introduced as foreign DNA via ancient HT events. Using a 503-genome dataset, we identify multiple ancient L1 HT events in eukaryotes and provide evidence that L1s infiltrated the mammalian lineage after the monotreme-therian split. We also extend the BovB paradigm by increasing the number of estimated transfer events compared to previous studies, finding new potential blood-sucking parasite vectors and occurrences in new lineages (e.g. bats, frog). Given that these TEs make up nearly half of the genome sequence in today’s mammals, our results provide the first evidence that HT can have drastic and long-term effects on the new host genomes. This revolutionizes our perception of genome evolution to consider external factors, such as the natural introduction of foreign DNA. With the advancement of genome sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools, we anticipate our study to be the first of many large-scale phylogenomic analyses exploring the role of HT in genome evolution.Significance statementLINE-1 (L1) elements occupy about half of most mammalian genomes (1), and they are believed to be strictly vertically inherited (2). Mutagenic L1 insertions are thought to account for approximately 1 of every 1000 random, disease-causing insertions in humans (4-7). Our research indicates that the very presence of L1s in humans, and other therian mammals, is due to an ancient transfer event – which has drastic implications for our perception of genome evolution. Using a machina analyses over 503 genomes, we trace the origins of L1 and BovB retrotransposons across the tree of life, and provide evidence of their long-term impact on eukaryotic evolution.

scholarly journals Long-term sustainability of a worksite canteen intervention of serving more fruit and vegetables

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1647-1652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne V Thorsen ◽  
Anne D Lassen ◽  
Inge Tetens ◽  
Ole Hels ◽  
Bent E Mikkelsen
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Change ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Average Increase ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Waste Handling

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse the 5-year sustainability of a worksite canteen intervention of serving more fruit and vegetables (F&V).DesignAverage F&V consumption per customer per meal per day was assessed in five worksite canteens by weighing F&V served and subtracting waste. Data were collected by the canteen staff during a 3-week continuous period and compared to data from the same five canteens measured at baseline, at end point and at 1-year follow-up. The intervention used a participatory and empowering approach, self-monitoring and networking among the canteen staff, management and a consultant. The method focused on providing ideas for increased F&V for lunch, making environmental changes in the canteens by giving access to tasteful and healthy food choices and reducing the availability of unhealthy options.SettingFive Danish worksites serving from 50 to 500 meals a day: a military base, an electronic component distributor, a bank, a town hall and a waste-handling facility.SubjectsWorksite canteen managers, canteen staff.ResultsFour of the five worksite canteens were able to either maintain the intervention or even increase the consumption of F&V. The average increase from baseline to 5-year follow-up was 95 g per customer per meal per day (18, 144, 66, 105 and 141 g, respectively). On average, the five canteens at the long-term follow-up had an F&V consumption of 208 g/meal per customer.ConclusionsThe present study indicates that sustainability of F&V is possible in worksites where the participatory and empowering approach, self-monitoring, environmental change, dialogue with suppliers and networking among worksite canteens are applied.

scholarly journals Short- and long-term effects of developmental corticosterone exposure on avian physiology, behavioral phenotype, cognition, and fitness: A review

2011 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 514-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan J. Schoech ◽  
Michelle A. Rensel ◽  
Rebecca S. Heiss
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Nervous System Function ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Developmental Conditions ◽  
Best Fit

Abstract A growing body of evidence from across taxa suggests that exposure to elevated levels of glucocorticoids during early development can have long-term effects upon physiological and behavioral phenotypes. Additionally, there is some, though limited, evidence that similar early exposure can also negatively impact cognitive ability. Following pioneering mammalian studies, several avian studies have revealed that the responsiveness of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis as an adult can be explained by levels of corticosterone, the avian glucocorticoid, the individual experienced as a nestling or even as an embryo via yolk exposure. Studies also suggest that perinatal exposure to corticosterone can have effects upon avian ‘personalities’ or coping styles, and findings from mammalian studies suggest that these long-term effects are mediated epigenetically via altered expression of relevant DNA sequences. Although a consistent pattern across-species has yet to emerge, recent work in Florida scrub-jays Aphelocoma coerulescens found that baseline corticosterone levels in 11-day-old nestlings explained 84% of the variation in ‘personality’ (bold vs. timid) when those individuals were tested approximately seven months later. Nestlings with elevated corticosterone levels were more timid than those individuals that as nestlings experienced relatively low corticosterone levels. Some researchers have suggested that parents might use such mechanisms to ‘program’ their offsprings’ phenotype to best fit prevailing environmental conditions. This review will visit what is known about the links between stressful developmental conditions that result in exposure to elevated corticosterone and the short- and long-term effects of this steroid hormone upon central nervous system function and whether alterations thereof are beneficial, deleterious, or neutral. It will concentrate on examples from birds, although critical supporting studies from the mammalian literature will be included as appropriate.

scholarly journals Spontaneous intake and long-term effects of essential oils after a negative postnatal experience in chicks

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence A. Guilloteau ◽  
Anne Collin ◽  
Alexia Koch ◽  
Christine Leterrier
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Growth Reduction ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Transportation Delay

AbstractThe postnatal period is critical for broiler chicks as they are exposed to, possibly stressful, environmental changes in the hatchery and during transportation to the rearing houses. The ability of broiler chicks to spontaneously drink essential oils (EO) to mitigate the effects of a negative postnatal experience was tested. Chicks were either immediately placed in the rearing facility (C group), or subjected to a 24h-delay period before their placement (D group), mimicking the possible transportation delay in commercial conditions.In experiment 1, each group had access to either water only or to water and one EO (cardamom, marjoram or verbena) from D1 to D13. The verbena EO intake was higher in the D group than in the C group from D1 to D6 and the cardamom EO intake was lower in the D group than in the C group from D6 to D13.In experiment 2, half of the groups had access to water only and the other half was offered water and the 3 EO simultaneously. The EO were not differently chosen by chicks between D and C groups except a lower cardamom EO intake was observed in the D group than in the C group from D6 to D12. The delayed placement of the D group reduced chicken growth until 34 days of age and temporarily increased the feed conversion ratio, but did not affect their welfare or the prevalence of health disorders. The EO intake did not allow the chicks in the D group to overcome the growth reduction, but did overcome the reduction in Pectoralis major muscle yield. In conclusion, chicks are able to make spontaneous choices regarding EO intake according to their postnatal experience when EO are presented individually, but in our experimental design, they were not when EO were simultaneously presented. The EO intake only partially mitigated the decrease in chicken performance after the negative postnatal experience.

scholarly journals Using herbaria to study global environmental change

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia L M Lang ◽  
Franziska M Willems ◽  
J F Scheepens ◽  
Hernán A Burbano ◽  
Oliver Bossdorf
Keyword(s):  
Global Change ◽  
Environmental Change ◽  
Global Environmental Change ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Temporal Dimension ◽  
Global Environmental ◽  
Evolutionary Changes ◽  
Global Change Research

During the last centuries, humans have transformed global ecosystems. With their temporal dimension, herbaria provide the otherwise scarce long-term data crucial to track ecological and evolutionary changes over these centuries of global change. The sheer size of herbaria, together with their increasing digitization and the possibility of sequencing DNA from the preserved plant material, makes them invaluable resources to understand ecological and evolutionary species responses to global environmental change. Following the chronology of global change, we highlight how herbaria can inform about long-term effects on plants of at least four of the main drivers of global change: pollution, habitat change, climate change, and invasive species. We summarize how herbarium specimens so far have been used in global change research, discuss future opportunities and challenges posed by the nature of these data, and advocate for an intensified use of these 'windows into the past' for global change research and beyond.

Assessing productivity to address safety concerns for information technology and promoting global standardization within aviation practices

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Willie Lee Brown ◽  
Willie J. Gilchrist
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
System Development ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Developmental Approach ◽  
Productivity Assessment

<p class="Els-1storder-head">Comparing these concepts with the usage of productivity assessment current design standards in implementing technological systems create concerns in safety performances [5]. The technology developmental risk was a concern in the Wright Brother era and the approach in implementing best solution practices based on simulating and testing standards to meet the goals in today’s operation is still an issue [4]. Effective modeling in promoting environmental changes for operational practices can present a risk concern in the developmental approach if productivity is not assessed [1]. Steps are needed to be taken to improve the environmental factors in the business efforts of promoting alternative energy; nonetheless, the long-term effects of not prioritizing the development standards on the global level may cause risk concerns in assessing aviation practice [1]. Realizing the sensitivity of the system development and the tradeoffs in implementing effective practices can also create awareness in the long-term efforts of environmental factors and its impact on operational cost improvements [10]. The ethical standards for human factors to improve the quality of people lives in addressing the challenges faced may be a concern going into the 21st century [7]. The tradeoffs of prioritizing can present both pros and cons; however, developmental practices are risky without modeling long-term impact and exploring different applications in adopting business practices [6]. Flexibility is an importance aspect in evaluating the productivity of long-term practices while using modern technology [6]. The productivity assessment impact in future implications and it influences to integrate traditional technology within the modern environment. </p><p> </p><p>Keywords: IT, aviation practices, promoting</p>

Trace metal fluxes to ferromanganese nodules from the western Baltic Sea as a record for long-term environmental changes

2002 ◽  
Vol 182 (2-4) ◽  
pp. 697-709 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Hlawatsch ◽  
C.D Garbe-Schönberg ◽  
F Lechtenberg ◽  
A Manceau ◽  
N Tamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Metal ◽  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Ferromanganese Nodules
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