Environmental Monitoring with Molecular Tools
Featured News
White Otter Biotech Secures Genome Prairie Funding to Advance Next-Generation Biodiversity Monitoring
A collaborative project with the University of Manitoba, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, and Agnico Eagle Mines to develop new tools for monitoring wildlife and fisheries in support of resource development.
Technology
Environmental DNA (eDNA)
eDNA is genetic information that living organisms naturally shed into water, soil, air, and sediment, leaving behind a detectable molecular signature. By collecting and analyzing these samples in a molecular laboratory, we can identify species and track biodiversity non-invasively, enabling invasive species detection, endangered species assessments, and mapping species composition across different habitats. Learn more here
Environmental RNA (eRNA)
eRNA is genetic material transcribed from DNA and released into the environment by living organisms, persisting for a shorter time than eDNA. eRNA is collected alongside eDNA and analyzed in a molecular laboratory. With eRNA, we can more confidently detect species, distinguish living from inactive organisms, estimate population levels, and determine whether species are transient or resident in an area. Learn more here
Recent Projects
Wildlife population modelling with genomics
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Molecular tools for monitoring walleye spawning
Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba