Dear MARMAM, My coauthors and I are happy to share a new review paper published in Marine Mammal Science that synthesizes current scientific literature to provide a set of guidelines for the field collection, processing, and long-term storage of biological samples for use in existing and emerging 'omics research techniques.
Van Cise AM, AD Switzer, A Apprill, CD Champagne, PM Chittaro, NK Dudek, MR Gavery, BL Hancock-Hanser, AC Harmon, AL Jaffe, NM Kellar, CA Miller, PA Morin, SE Nelms, KM Robertson, IR Schultz, E Timmins-Schiffman, E Unal, KM Parsons. 2024. Best practices for preserving marine mammal biological samples in the ‘omics era. Marine Mammal Science 2024:e13148 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13148?af=R>. *Abstract:* The recent rise of ‘omics and other molecular research technologies alongside improved techniques for tissue preservation have broadened the scope of marine mammal research. Collecting biological samples from wild marine mammals is both logistically challenging and expensive. To enhance the power of marine mammal research, great effort has been made in both the field and the laboratory to ensure the scientific integrity of samples from collection through processing, supporting the long-term use of precious samples across a broad range of studies. However, identifying the best methods of sample preservation can be challenging, especially as this technological toolkit continues to evolve and expand. Standardizing best practices could maximize the scientific value of biological samples, foster multi-institutional collaborative efforts across fields, and improve the quality of individual studies by removing potential sources of error from the collection, handling, and preservation processes. With these aims in mind, we summarize relevant literature, share current expert knowledge, and suggest best practices for sample collection and preservation. This manuscript is intended as a reference resource for scientists interested in exploring collaborative studies and preserving samples in a suitable manner for a broad spectrum of analyses, emphasizing support for ‘omics technologies. A pdf copy of the paper can be found on ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381618745_Best_practices_for_collecting_and_preserving_marine_mammal_biological_samples_in_the_'omics_era>. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. Warm Regards, Amy <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Assistant Professor Whale and Dolphin Ecology Lab <http://amyvancise.com> University of Washington | School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences 1122 NE Boat St, Box 355020 Seattle, WA 98105 Office: SAFS 216B 206-221-6118 Need to meet with me? Let's find a time <https://calendar.app.google/6S7FAok44L6n2TpF7>. Where is Amy? [Spring 2024 edition]** Monday: UW campus Tuesday: UW campus Wednesday: UW campus Thursday: hiding (focus day) Friday: UW campus **This is not exact. If you can't find me, shoot me an email and I will get back to you. "My paper was one long gigantic blunder from beginning to end." -Charles Darwin
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