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Decoding the DNA of scat and the application of genetic methodologies to understanding carnivore diet 粪便DNA解码及遗传学方法在肉食动物饮食中的应用

Science Reviews Biology Pub Date : 2023-10-31 DOI: 10.57098/scirevs.biology.2.3.1

Charlotte Hacker

{"title":"Decoding the DNA of scat and the application of genetic methodologies to understanding carnivore diet","authors":"Charlotte Hacker","doi":"10.57098/scirevs.biology.2.3.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.57098/scirevs.biology.2.3.1","url":null,"abstract":"Carnivore species are vital to ecosystem function and maintenance. One key component to understanding carnivore ecology and the most effective means of management is knowledge of dietary resource use. Traditional methods used to study carnivore diet, such as microhistology, have several technical and logistical shortcomings. These have hindered the quality and quantity of data that shape understanding of how carnivores exploit prey. Advances in genetic methodologies and their application to wildlife biology has transformed the manner in which information about species can be gained. DNA metabarcoding is one such example. With this approach, genetic sequences present in scat can be determined via next-generation sequencing and matched to reference databases, revealing the carnivore that deposited the scat and the prey it consumed. DNA metabarcoding has the ability to overcome many of the previous challenges associated with dietary analysis and works to advance and inform current knowledge surrounding carnivore ecology, predatorprey relationships, conflicts between carnivores and humans, and potential adaptability to large-scale landscape shifts. Its use has provided novel insights on numerous carnivore species to help inform research priorities and wildlife policies, including those living in unique fragile environments such as the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China. The continued development and increased capacity of molecular dietary analysis via DNA metabarcoding has the promise to grossly improve carnivore conservation management strategies on a global scale.","PeriodicalId":490939,"journal":{"name":"Science Reviews Biology","volume":"63 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135808397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Emerging Trends of Human Consumption of Insects and Their Future Conservation 人类食用昆虫的新趋势及其未来保护

Science Reviews Biology Pub Date : 2023-10-31 DOI: 10.57098/scirevs.biology.2.3.2

Saboor Ahmad, Shufa Xu

{"title":"Emerging Trends of Human Consumption of Insects and Their Future Conservation","authors":"Saboor Ahmad, Shufa Xu","doi":"10.57098/scirevs.biology.2.3.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.57098/scirevs.biology.2.3.2","url":null,"abstract":"In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the global interest surrounding the consumption of insects, known as entomophagy. This trend is propelled by its potential to address various pressing challenges. Entomophagy is deeply rooted in many cultures historically and is regarded as a sustainable solution to contemporary problems such as food security, environmental sustainability, and public health. In this context, this paper explores the emerging trends in human insect consumption and underscores conservation's pivotal role in securing the future of edible insects. This study unveils the multifaceted benefits of entomophagy by emphasizing the cultural significance of insects as a food source, their environmental advantages, and their potential to improve nutrition and reduce the ecological footprint of food production. Notably, various insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, termites, mealworms, and silkworm provide the primary sources of the human diet, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Simultaneously, this review sheds light on the challenges posed by overexploitation, and habitat destruction, necessitating robust strategies for insect conservation. The paper advocates for sustainable harvesting, habitat restoration, public education and awareness, and innovative market strategies as critical tools for preserving insect biodiversity while promoting responsible insect consumption. Ultimately, entomophagy and insect conservation convergence presents an intriguing paradigm for a more sustainable and resilient global food system.","PeriodicalId":490939,"journal":{"name":"Science Reviews Biology","volume":"26 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135808396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Advancements and Challenges in Gene Therapy Approaches for Sickle Cell Disease: A Comprehensive Review 镰状细胞病基因治疗方法的进展与挑战:综述

Science Reviews Biology Pub Date : 2023-10-31 DOI: 10.57098/scirevs.biology.2.3.3

Martina Rossi

{"title":"Advancements and Challenges in Gene Therapy Approaches for Sickle Cell Disease: A Comprehensive Review","authors":"Martina Rossi","doi":"10.57098/scirevs.biology.2.3.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.57098/scirevs.biology.2.3.3","url":null,"abstract":"Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive genetic blood disorder that occurs when both alleles of the HBB gene have mutations, leading to the production of abnormal haemoglobin (HbS). The presence of HbS causes red blood cells (RBCs) to take on the distinctive sickle-shaped form associated with the disease. This, in turn, leads to blockages in blood vessels, decreased blood circulation, and organs’ damage. Traditional treatments such as blood transfusions and hydroxyurea offer relief but come with their own limitations and associated risks. Gene therapy has emerged as a promising paradigm shift in the quest to cure SCD, offering personalised solutions by targeting the genetic root of the disease. This review article explores the principles and recent advancements in gene therapy for SCD. However, before gene therapy can become the main curative strategy for this disease, several challenges need to be overcome including the need for long-term safety and efficacy evaluations. Ongoing research and innovation hold the promise of enhanced treatments and the potential for a widely available gene therapy, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals living with SCD.","PeriodicalId":490939,"journal":{"name":"Science Reviews Biology","volume":"50 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135808387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0