Molecular insights into high-altitude adaption and acclimatisation of Aporrectodea caliginosa

Here, we explore the high-altitude adaptions and acclimatisation of Aporrectodea caliginosa. Population diversity is assessed through mitochondrial barcoding, identifying closely related populations across the island of Pico (Azores). We present the first megabase N50 assembly size (1.2 Mbp) genome for A. caliginosa. High- and low-altitude populations were exposed experimentally to a range of oxygen and temperature conditions, simulating altitudinal conditions, and the transcriptomic responses explored. SNP densities are assessed to identify signatures of selective pressure and their link to differentially expressed genes. The high-altitude A. caliginosa population had lower differential expression and fewer co-expressed genes between conditions, indicating a more condition-refined epigenetic response. Genes identified as under adaptive pressure through Fst and nucleotide diversity in the high-altitude population clustered around the differentially expressed an upstream environmental response control gene, HMGB1. The high-altitude population of A. caliginosa indicated adaption and acclimatisation to high-altitude conditions and suggested resilience to extreme weather events. This mechanistic understanding could help offer a strategy in further identifying other species capable of maintaining soil fertility in extreme environments

Challenges to implementing environmental-DNA monitoring in Namibia

By identifying fragments of DNA in the environment, eDNA approaches present a promising tool for monitoring biodiversity in a cost-effective way. This is particularly pertinent for countries where traditional morphological monitoring has been sparse. The first step to realising the potential of eDNA is to develop methodologies that are adapted to local conditions. Here, we test field and laboratory eDNA protocols (aqueous and sediment samples) in a range of semi-arid ecosystems in Namibia. We successfully gathered eDNA data on a broad suite of organisms at multiple trophic levels (including algae, invertebrates and bacteria) but identified two key challenges to the implementation of eDNA methods in the region: 1) high turbidity requires a tailored sampling technique and 2) identification of taxa by eDNA methods is currently constrained by a lack of reference data. We hope this work will guide the deployment of eDNA biomonitoring in the arid ecosystems of Namibia and neighbouring countries

Wikis in the workplace : how Wikis can help manage knowledge in library reference services

This article explores how wikis can be used in library reference services to manage knowledge and why they should be used in this environment. The article begins with a description of wikis, then covers knowledge management and the systems that support knowledge management, specifically collaborative and conversational technologies. Next, the author discusses how wikis can be used as a knowledge management system and explores the organizational applications. Finally, a discussion follows on how wikis can be used to support knowledge management in library reference services with some examples of wikis as both private and public knowledge repositories and as collaborative workspaces.Published versio

Exploring floral senescence without a model – the rich rewards of diversity

Floral senescence does not follow the same pattern in all flowering species. Flowers can be broadly divided between those in which petals abscise while still turgid and those in which petals wilt and may or may not abscise. Furthermore, flower senescence can also be divided into a further two groups. In one group of species ethylene is produced by the flowers as the senescence progresses, and acts as a major regulator of this process. In another group ethylene is not produced, or only at very low levels and does not act as a major senescence regulator. Broadly most species that show rapid abscission without wilting are ethylene sensitive whereas those that wilt are generally ethylene insensitive, although the demarcations are not absolute. Many monocotyledonous flowers including lilies, as well as most Asteraceae are ethylene insensitive, while ethylene sensitive species include orchids, carnations petunia and Brassicaceae including Arabidopsis. Given these major differences it has been difficult to find a suitable model to study floral senescence. However new tools such as transcriptomic analyses are offering new approaches to investigate common and divergent regulatory mechanisms. In the obvious model, Arabidopsis, senescence proceeds rapidly and within 48 h petals are abscised with only moderate wilting. Some progress has been made in identifying genes regulating ethylene-regulated senescence in Arabidopsis flowers, and some of these genes may also regulate senescence progression in other ethylene sensitive species. Abscission signals also appear to be shared across different floral senescence groups. A comparison of two lily genotypes that have contrasting senescence programmes identified genes related to abscission previously identified in Arabidopsis. However the regulation of senescence in ethylene-insensitive species remains problematic. Recent transcriptomic studies in lily and other species reveal families of transcription factors that may be involved. A further complexity in floral senescence is offered by composite flowers. A transcriptomic analysis of Dahlias is comparing senescence between florets and the whole inflorescence