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Public DNA databases are composed of data from many different taxa, although the taxonomic annotation on sequences is not always complete, which impedes the utilization of mined data for species-level applications. There is much ongoing work on species identification and delineation based on the molecular data itself, although applying species clustering to whole databases requires consolidation of results from numerous undefined gene regions, and introduces significant obstacles in data organization and computational load. In the current paper, we demonstrate an approach for species delineation of a sequence database. All DNA sequences for the insects were obtained and processed. After filtration of duplicated data, delineation of the database into species or molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) followed a three-step process in which i) the genetic loci L are partitioned, ii) the species S are delineated within each locus, then iii) species units are matched across loci to for...

The trauma of having a family member missing is commonly described as an ambiguous loss where the finality of the loss is not realized, as is experienced with a death. There is uncertainty due to the trauma of the absence and subsequent police investigation, leading to physical and emotional impacts for the aftercare of those left behind. There are 850 unidentified human remains and 2,600 long-term missing persons cases in Australia. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons aims to scientifically link these cases using modern DNA techniques and databases. A DNA-led identification effort may assist to provide answers to Australian families searching for missing relatives, but may also contribute to the trauma experienced by these families. A literature review demonstrated empirical research for the development of scientific best practices for the collection of reference DNA samples for forensic purposes, but minimal evidence about the impact of reference DNA sample collection on kin when attempting to identify the deceased remains of missing people in non-mass casualty situations. The aim of this study was to develop an academically robust understanding of the unique impact of reference DNA sample collection on families of missing persons and support pathways tailored to the experience. This study involved 26 Australian families of long-term missing (ranging from 1 to 20+ years) people in Australia anonymously completing a mixed-methods online survey about their experiences of providing reference DNA samples to aid missing persons investigations. Respondents were representative of a range of ages, genders and relationships to the missing individual. The thematic analysis of the survey results identified the provision of a reference DNA sample: (1) resembles an overt act of hope as families perceive their sample assists the investigation, whilst also being traumatic, triggered by the prospect of scientifically matching their missing family member to a set of unknown human remains; (2) can cause immediate interpersonal impacts and ongoing impacts to families' wellbeing; and (3) can be improved by considering the environment where the sample is collected, professionalism of the police officer collecting the sample, timeliness of the provision of the sample, level of support provided during and after sample collection, and effective communication of forensic procedures and processes as they relate to the missing persons investigation. The study concludes that the complexity associated with provision of family reference samples requires the development and implementation of best practice guidelines, including psycho-education strategies to be used by practitioners to minimize the vicarious trauma for relatives already traumatized by the loss of their missing family member. These guidelines would support the objectives of the AFP Program and benefit all routine missing persons investigations.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Direct to consumer DNA Testing Marketsize will be USD 2151.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market of more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 860.88 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a share of over 30% of the global market size of USD 645.36 million.
Asia Pacific held a market of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 494.78 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America's market will have more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 107.56 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa are the major markets of around 2% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 43.02 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The Targeted Analysisheld the highest direct-to-consumer DNA Testing Market revenue share in 2024.

Market Dynamics of Direct to consumer DNA Testing Market

Key Drivers of Direct to consumer DNA Testing Market

Increase Trend Toward Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Boosting the Market Growth

The public understanding and acceptance of genetic testing are steadily increasing. A national survey found that awareness has increased dramatically in the United States, and a social media survey found that 47% of users are familiar with the direct-to-consumer concept. Across many sectors, there is an apparent rise in customers seeking customized products & experiences, with a rising willingness to pay for the identification & addressing of unique needs. Customers are trying to express willingness to undergo testing & pay for genetic testing services. According to a recent survey conducted in the United States with a sample size of 2,000 people, 33% said they would be willing to pay for and use the advice provided by a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company.

Rise in the Occurrence of Chronic Disorders to Drive Market Growth

Direct-to-consumer genetic tests offer information about a genetic inclination towards a spectrum of disorders such as heart ailments, mental illness, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. In addition to this, DTC genetic testing also offers information pertaining to genetic aspects that can affect the body reaction of the consumer to a particular diet, pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol, and caffeine. Apparently, the tests also impart information about the genes that are related to eye color, athletic performance, and forms of male baldness. All these factors above are anticipated to accelerate the growth of the direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing market over the years to come.

Restraint Factors of Direct to consumer DNA Testing Market

Privacy Concerns to Restrict the Market Growth

More than 65% of individuals are willing to use home direct-to-consumer genetic testing services. Privacy is one of the main concerns, especially the potential sharing of data with third parties, including pharmaceutical and insurance companies and consumer health. Almost all the respondents willing to use the service have concerns about a company owning their DNA profiles. In submitting a sample for processing, individuals provide sensitive information about themselves and family members with whom they share a genetic link. Leakage of such data could negatively impact these individuals across various areas, including employment prospects, relationships, and insurance premiums. Cyber security breaches, database password & service hacking, Human error, or oversight by data custodians pose a risk.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Direct to consumer DNA Testing Market

During the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread diagnostic and serological (immunity) testing is critical in containing the disease, easing stay-at-home measures, and informing policies for economic recovery. Most diagnostic and serological tests are provided by healthcare providers who interface with the healthcare system. However, several companies have begun to offer COVID-19 testing on a direct-to-consumer (DTC) basis, which means that the test is initiated by a consumer rather tha...

Micronesia began to be peopled earlier than other parts of Remote Oceania, but its inhabitants’ origins remain unclear. We generated genome-wide data from 164 ancient and 112 modern individuals. Analysis reveals five migratory streams into Micronesia. Three are East Asian-related, one is Polynesian, and a fifth is a Papuan source related to mainland New Guineans which is different from the New Britain-related Papuan source for southwest Pacific populations, but similarly derived from male migrants ~2500-2000 years ago. People of the Mariana Archipelago may derive all their pre-colonial ancestry from East Asian sources, making them the only Remote Oceanians without Papuan ancestry. Female-inherited mitochondrial DNA was highly differentiated across early Remote Oceanian communities but homogeneous within, implying matrilocal practices whereby women rarely moved households after marriage.

Many species are threatened with extinction and efforts are underway worldwide to restore imperiled species to their native ranges. Restoration requires knowledge of species’ historic diversity and distribution, which may not be available. For some species, many populations were extirpated and humans moved individuals beyond their native range before native diversity and distribution were documented. Moreover, traditional taxonomic assessments often failed to accurately capture phylogenetic diversity. We illustrate a general approach for estimating regional native diversity and distribution by assembling a large archive of historical records documenting human-mediated change in the distribution of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) coupled with a phylogenetic analysis of 19th century (before intensive fish stocking) and contemporary DNA samples. Our study of the trout in the southern Rocky Mountains uncovered six divergent lineages, two of which went extinct, probably in the early 20th century. A third lineage, previously declared extinct, was discovered surviving in a single stream outside of its native range. Comparison of the historic and modern distributions with stocking records revealed that the current distribution of trout largely reflects intensive stocking early in the late 19th and early 20th century from two phylogenetically and geographically distinct sources. Our documentation of recent extinctions, undescribed lineages, errors in taxonomy, and dramatic range changes induced by human movement of fish underscores the importance of the historical record when developing and implementing conservation plans for threatened and endangered species.

This dataset contains data from the LAMARCK controlled exposure study including DNA methylation assessments done before and 24 hours after each exposure, subclinical health outcomes measures, exposure details, and demographic information on the individual participants in the study. This dataset is not publicly accessible because: EPA cannot release personally identifiable information regarding living individuals, according to the Privacy Act and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This dataset contains information about human research subjects. Because there is potential to identify individual participants and disclose personal information, either alone or in combination with other datasets, individual level data are not appropriate to post for public access. Restricted access may be granted to authorized persons by contacting the party listed. It can be accessed through the following means: The dataset can be accessed by contacting Dr. Cavin Ward-Caviness (ward-caviness.cavin@epa.gov). Format: The data is tabular data containing information on DNA methylation assessment, controlled exposure conditions, and demographics of the LAMARCK participants. DNA methylation age has also been calculated based on the DNA methylation assessment data. This dataset is associated with the following publication: Nwanaji-Enwerem, J., A. Bozack, C. Ward-Caviness, D. Diazsanchez, R. Devlin, M. Bind, and A. Cardenas. Bronchial Cell Epigenetic Aging in a Human Experimental Study of Short-term Diesel and Ozone Exposures. Environmental Epigenetics. Oxford University Press, Cary, NC, USA, 10(1): dvae017, (2024).

Type specimens have high scientific importance because they provide the only certain connection between the application of a Linnean name and a physical specimen. Many other individuals may have been identified as a particular species, but their linkage to the taxon concept is inferential. Because type specimens are often more than a century old and have experienced conditions unfavourable for DNA preservation, success in sequence recovery has been uncertain. This study addresses this challenge by employing next-generation sequencing (NGS) to recover sequences for the barcode region of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene from small amounts of template DNA. DNA quality was first screened in more than 1800 century-old type specimens of Lepidoptera by attempting to recover 164-bp and 94-bp reads via Sanger sequencing. This analysis permitted the assignment of each specimen to one of three DNA quality categories – high (164-bp sequence), medium (94-bp sequence) or low (no sequence). Ten specimens from each category were subsequently analysed via a PCR-based NGS protocol requiring very little template DNA. It recovered sequence information from all specimens with average read lengths ranging from 458 bp to 610 bp for the three DNA categories. By sequencing ten specimens in each NGS run, costs were similar to Sanger analysis. Future increases in the number of specimens processed in each run promise substantial reductions in cost, making it possible to anticipate a future where barcode sequences are available from most type specimens.

Consortium to discover and map the genes that contribute to Alzheimer's disease and completely understand the role inheritance plays. To achieve this goal, they will work to identify all the genes that contribute to the risk of developing this disease. Investigators will have access to combined genetic data from a large number of Alzheimer's disease subjects and compare it to genetic data from an equally large number of elderly people who do not have Alzheimer's. In the initial phase of the work, more than 20,000 people with Alzheimer's and about 20,000 healthy elderly subjects will be compared. As the study progresses, 10,000 additional people with Alzheimer's and the same number of healthy elderly subjects will be added to the study. The subjects for these studies come from different Alzheimer research project locations across Europe, the UK, the US, and Canada. Data is available from their 2014 publication in Translational Psychiatry at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3944635/ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24495969) Currently, there is no public access to the raw individual level genetic data because of privacy considerations. Researchers working with US cohorts deposit data in the database of genotypes and phenotypes (dbGaP), where it is available to all researchers who can show that they are able to guarantee the security of the data. After scanning the DNA of over 74,000 patients and controls from 15 countries, the IGAP consortium reported 11 new regions of the genome involved in late-onset Alzheimer's disease. IGAP published its results in Nature Genetics on October 27, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24162737

Aim: Liquid biopsies analyzing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation in plasma offer a noninvasive diagnostic for diseases, with the potential of aging biomarkers underexplored. Methods: Utilizing enzymatic methyl-seq (EM-seq), this study assessed cfDNA methylation patterns in aging with blood from 35 healthy individuals. Results: It found aging signatures, including higher cfDNA levels and variations in fragment sizes, plus approximately 2000 age-related differentially methylated CpG sites. A biological age predictive model based on 48 CpG sites showed a strong correlation with chronological age, verified by two datasets. Age-specific epigenetic shifts linked to inflammation were revealed through differentially methylated regions profiling and Olink proteomics. Conclusion: These findings suggest cfDNA methylation as a potential aging biomarker and might exacerbate immunoinflammatory reactivity in older individuals. Our bodies undergo many changes as we age, some of which might affect our health. To better understand these changes, scientists study something called ‘cell-free DNA' (cfDNA) in our blood. This cfDNA can give us clues about our health and the risk of diseases like cancer or heart conditions. In our research, we analyzed cfDNA from the blood of 35 people to identify patterns associated with aging. We discovered that approximately 2000 specific spots in our DNA change in a way that's linked to aging. These changes might help us figure out someone's biological age – essentially, how old their body seems based on various health factors, which can differ from their actual age. We also found that these DNA changes could indicate how aging might make the body's defense system – which fights off diseases – react more intensely. Understanding this could be crucial for managing health as we get older. Our study suggests that cfDNA could be a useful marker for aging, offering a new approach to understanding and possibly managing the health effects associated with growing older. A new study reveals cfDNA methylation in blood as a promising noninvasive marker for aging. Analysis of 35 individuals highlights key aging signatures and approximately 2000 age-related changes in DNA methylation, linking aging with inflammation. #AgingResearch #LiquidBiopsy. First application of EM-seq for aging in healthy individuals, achieving high-quality data from limited cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Older individuals showed increased cfDNA concentrations, suggesting higher cell turnover or death rates. Elevated cfDNA from neutrophils and colon epithelial cells observed in older compared with younger groups. Analysis identified around two thousand DMCs across age groups, emphasizing nucleosome structure genes. A 48-CpG-sites cfDNA methylation model strongly correlated chronological and biological age. Significant methylation changes, including hyper- and hypo-methylation, were detected in older individuals. Gene promoter analysis linked increased inflammation pathways with age, supported by proteomics data. The study highlights cfDNA methylation's potential as an aging predictive tool, especially for inflammation-related changes.

The urban peoples of the Swahili coast traded across eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean and were among the first sub-Saharan practitioners of Islam. The extent to which these early interactions between Africans and non-Africans were accompanied by genetic exchange remains unknown. We report ancient DNA data for 80 individuals from six medieval and early modern (1250-1800 CE) coastal towns and an inland town postdating 1650 CE. Many coastal individuals had over half their DNA from primarily female African ancestors, with large proportions and occasionally more than half from Asian ancestors. The Asian ancestry included both Persian and Indian-associated components, with eighty to ninety percent from Persian males. Peoples of African and Asian origins began to mix by about 1000 CE, coinciding with large-scale adoption of Islam. Before about 1500 CE, the Southwest Asian ancestry was mainly Persian-related, consistent with the narrative of the Kilwa Chronicle, the oldest history told by people of the Swahili coast. After this time, the sources became increasingly Arabian, consistent with evidence of growing interactions with southern Arabia. Subsequent interactions with Asians and Africans further changed the ancestry of Swahili coast people relative to the medieval individuals whose DNA we sequenced.

Genetic-based delimitation of species typically involves a multistep process in which DNA data are analyzed with a series of different programs. Although the performance of the programs associated with each step has been evaluated separately, no analysis has considered how errors in the upstream assignment of individuals to putative species impacts the accuracy of species delimited in downstream analyses, such as those associated with the coalescent-based Bayesian program bpp. Here we show that because the minimal data requirements for accurate performance in each of the separate steps involved in the delimitation process differ, the reliability of inferences about species delimited from DNA sequences can be compromised. Our results provide important insights into the practice of species delimitation. Specifically, even if users exercise the practices advocated for DNA-based delimitation, there may very well be errors in individual-species association, and consequently uncertainty in the guide tree (both derived from upstream analyses that are prerequisites for analyses with bpp), which can lead to under or overestimation of biodiversity, even though the Bayesian program bpp itself may perform very well. These results highlight the usefulness of complementary data (i.e., data in addition to genetic data), especially for the assignment of individuals to putative species, to improve the accuracy of species delimitation.

[NOTE: PLEXdb is no longer available online. Oct 2019.] PLEXdb (Plant Expression Database) is a unified gene expression resource for plants and plant pathogens. PLEXdb is a genotype to phenotype, hypothesis building information warehouse, leveraging highly parallel expression data with seamless portals to related genetic, physical, and pathway data. PLEXdb (http://www.plexdb.org), in partnership with community databases, supports comparisons of gene expression across multiple plant and pathogen species, promoting individuals and/or consortia to upload genome-scale data sets to contrast them to previously archived data. These analyses facilitate the interpretation of structure, function and regulation of genes in economically important plants. A list of Gene Atlas experiments highlights data sets that give responses across different developmental stages, conditions and tissues. Tools at PLEXdb allow users to perform complex analyses quickly and easily. The Model Genome Interrogator (MGI) tool supports mapping gene lists onto corresponding genes from model plant organisms, including rice and Arabidopsis. MGI predicts homologies, displays gene structures and supporting information for annotated genes and full-length cDNAs. The gene list-processing wizard guides users through PLEXdb functions for creating, analyzing, annotating and managing gene lists. Users can upload their own lists or create them from the output of PLEXdb tools, and then apply diverse higher level analyses, such as ANOVA and clustering. PLEXdb also provides methods for users to track how gene expression changes across many different experiments using the Gene OscilloScope. This tool can identify interesting expression patterns, such as up-regulation under diverse conditions or checking any gene’s suitability as a steady-state control. Resources in this dataset:Resource Title: Website Pointer for Plant Expression Database, Iowa State University. File Name: Web Page, url: https://www.bcb.iastate.edu/plant-expression-database [NOTE: PLEXdb is no longer available online. Oct 2019.] Project description for the Plant Expression Database (PLEXdb) and integrated tools.

Predator-prey interactions shape ecosystem stability and are influenced by changes in ecosystem productivity. However, because multiple biotic and abiotic drivers shape the trophic responses of predators to productivity, we often observe patterns, but not mechanisms, by which productivity drives food web structure. One way to capture mechanisms shaping trophic response is to quantify trophic interactions among multiple trophic groups and by using complementary metrics of trophic ecology. In this study, we combine two diet-tracing methods: diet DNA and stable isotopes, for two trophic groups (top predators and intermediate predators) in both low- and high-productivity habitats to elucidate where in the food chain trophic structure shifts in response to changes in underlying ecosystem productivity. We demonstrate that while top predators show increases in isotopic trophic position (δ15N) with productivity, neither their isotopic niche size nor their DNA diet composition changes. Conversely, intermediate predators show clear turnover in DNA diet composition towards a more predatory prey base in high-productivity habitats. Taking this multi-trophic approach highlights how predator identity shapes responses in predator-prey interactions across environments with different underlying productivity, building predictive power for understanding the outcomes of ongoing anthropogenic change. Methods These are data and code associated with the terrestrial top and intermediate predator diets from Palmyra Atoll (2009-2017). These data include both stable isotope and diet DNA metabarcoding data for top predators (Araneae: Heteropoda venatoria) and diet DNA metabarcoding data for intermediate predators (Araneae: Neoscona theisi, Scytodes longipes, Keija mneon). These datasets include the final compiled datasets for diet DNA data (originally from Miller-ter Kuile et al. 2022) and raw data for stable isotopes for top predators. The code includes code to reproduce all data cleaning, merging, statistical analyses, and visualizations. Methods: Field site and collections We conducted this work on Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Northern Line Islands (5º53’ N, 162º05’W). Palmyra Atoll has a well-characterized species list, and like many atolls, is relatively species poor, allowing for detailed characterization of potential diet items (Handler et al. 2007). Predator individuals used for diet DNA and stable isotope analyses were collected across two habitat types representative of "high" and "low" productivity (Pisonia grandis and Cocos nucifera, respectively; Young et al. 2010). Isotope sample collection: All individuals were collected individually and frozen. Then organisms for which only isotope data were derived, we used individual body parts (usually legs, but sometimes other body parts that did not include digested material). We initially froze samples and then they were dried at 55 degrees C, and finally ground into a powder. We submitted samples to the University of California Davis, Stable Isotope Facility (SIF, Davis, California, USA), which processes samples on a PDZ Europa ANCA-GSL elemental analyzer interfaced to a PDZ Europa 20-20 isotope ratio mass spectrometer (Sercon Ltd., Cheshire, UK). We corrected raw δ15N values using a mixing model specific to baseline sources on Palmyra Atoll (Young et al. 2013). This correction meant subtracting a δ15N_base from δ15N_consumer, following an equation to account for multiple baseline sources (marine and terrestrial in this system): δ15N_base = (δ15N_plants * alpha + δ15N_marine * (1-alpha)) / Delta. and alpha = (δ13C_consumer - δ13C_marine)/(δ13C_plant - δ13C_marine) and Delta = 0.0034 DNA sample collection: For diet DNA metabarcoding samples, we used a combination of methods, including individual collection during visual surveys for understory, and soil collections and canopy fogging with insecticide onto collection sheets for canopy individuals. All individuals were collected individually with sterilized implements (ethanol-burned forceps) in sterilized collection containers containing 95% EtOH to avoid contamination (Greenstone et al. 2011). All individuals were stored in 95% EtOH at -20ºC before DNA extraction. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, library preparation, sequencing, and denoising We individually measured the length of each predator (mm) and separated the thorax, opisthosoma, or trunk (depending on predator species, (Krehenwinkel et al. 2017, Macías-Hernández et al. 2018)) for DNA extraction following a modified CTAB extraction protocol (Fulton et al. 1995). While most individuals were run in separate samples (70%, n = 121/173), some individuals were too small to extract ample DNA from only one individual (mean size of 4.04 ± 0.12 mm in total length), and so we combined these individuals with other individuals from the same species, size range (within ± 0.5 mm in length), and sampling period. For these combined samples, we aimed for a minimum total sample weight of 5mg, and ideal sample weights of 10-20mg, a range we had previously determined to be sufficient for downstream DNA extraction and cleaning protocols. This resulted in a maxiumum of 12 individuals in one sample (SI Figure 6). Following methods in (Krehenwinkel et al. 2017), we standardized concentrations of 40uL of each sample to 20ng/ul and used Ampure XP (Agencourt, Beverly, MA, USA) beads to remove higher molecular weight predator DNA prior to PCR steps. We then amplified the CO1 gene, which is well-represented in online databases (Porter and Hajibabaei 2018) with general metazoan primers (mlCOIintF/Fol-degen-rev; (Yu et al. 2012, Leray et al. 2013, Krehenwinkel et al. 2017)). We ran total reaction volumes per sample of 25μL, with 9μL nuclease free water, 12.5μL GoTaq Green Master Mix (Promega Corp., Madison, WI, USA), 1.25μL of each primer (at 10mM), and 1μL of DNA template (at 10ng/μL) and ran a duplicate for each sample. We followed a PCR protocol as follows: 3 minutes at 95ºC, 35 cycles of: 95ºC for 30 seconds, 46ºC for 30 seconds, 72ºC for one minute; ending with 72ºC for five minutes. We removed reaction dimer with Ampure XP beads at 0.8x bead-to-DNA ratio. We then attached Illumina index primers (Nextera XT Index Kit v2) with 5μL of PCR product per reaction and the recommended PCR protocol for these primers (Illumina 2009). We combined and cleaned successfully amplified duplicate samples using Ampure XP beads (0.7x beads-to-DNA) and diluted each sample to 5nM in 10mM TRIS, using 1uL of each sample for sequencing. For sequencing runs, we multiplexed all samples along with one negative control and two PCR4-TOPO TA vectors (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA) containing the internal transcribed spacer 1 region from two fungal species as positive controls (GenBank accession numbers: MG840195 and MG840196; (Toju et al. 2012, Clark et al. 2016, Apigo and Oono 2018)). We submitted multiplexed samples for sequencing at the University of California, Santa Barbara Biological Nanostructures Laboratory Genetics Core. Samples were run on an Illumina MiSeq platform (v2 chemistry, 500 cycles, paired-end reads) with a 15% spike-in of PhiX. Following sequencing, samples were demultiplexed using Illumina’s bcl2fastq conversion software (v2.20) at the Core facility.
We merged, filtered (max ee = 1.0), and denoised (clustered) our sequences around amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) using the DADA2 algorithm in R (dada2 package version 1.1.14.0; Callahan et al., 2016). Prior to denoising with DADA2, we used cutadapt (version 1.18, (Martin 2011)) to remove primers from each sequence. We removed samples from analysis that had not been sequenced to sufficient depth using iNEXT (Hsieh et al. 2016) and a lower quantile cutoff. We rarefied remaining samples (McKnight et al. 2019) based on the sample with the lowest sequencing depth which had been sequenced with 95%+ sampling completeness based on iNEXT (version 2.0.20) interpolation and extrapolation methods (Hsieh and Chao 2017). We rarefied using the rrarefy() function in the vegan (version 2.5.6) package in R to 15,954 reads per sample. ASV taxonomic assignment with BLAST and BOLD From the output of the DADA2 algorithm, we created a list of unique ASVs which we matched to taxonomies both in the GenBank and BOLD databases. For GenBank, we used BLAST (version 2.7.1) with the blastn command for taxonomic assignment of each ASV using the computing cluster at UC Santa Barbara, comparing against the GenBank nucleotide database with an evalue of 0.01 (downloaded on November 20, 2019). We visualized and exported taxonomic alignment using MEGAN Community Edition (version 6.18.0, (Huson et al. 2016)), using default settings and selecting the subtree with all possible diet items for this species (Kingdom: Animalia, Clade: Bilateria). For BOLD taxonomic assignment, we used the BOLD IDEngine of the CO1 gene with Species Level Barcode Records (accessed May 21, 2020; 4,070,029 Sequences, 225,114 Species, and 104,607 Interim Species in database) to match each ASV list to taxonomies. We combined taxonomic assignments from both programs and discarded taxonomic assignments that were mismatched at the family level or higher (Elbrecht et al. 2017). We chose to combine prey taxonomies at the order level by summing the cumulative read abundances across the ASVs that corresponded to each diet order in each sample. We corrected for potential sequence jumping (‘cross-talk’) across samples by removing reads across samples that emerged in negative controls (Oono et al. 2020) and all DNA matching any predator family present on an individual sequencing run was removed as a conservative method to account for potential sequence jumping (‘cross-talk’) (van der Valk et al. 2020). We verified ASV specificity based on positive control samples. Data analyses: To examine how stable isotope-based trophic niche shifts with environmental context, we

Genealogical DNA Test Market Outlook

The global genealogical DNA test market size was valued at approximately $2.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach around $4.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% during the forecast period. This impressive growth can be attributed to advancements in DNA sequencing technology, a rising interest in ancestry and personal heritage, and the increasing availability of direct-to-consumer testing kits.

One of the primary growth factors for the genealogical DNA test market is the growing public interest in genealogy and ancestry. The advent of TV shows and online platforms focusing on family history and DNA testing has significantly increased public awareness and interest in tracing one's lineage. This cultural phenomenon has led to a surge in demand for DNA testing kits, particularly autosomal DNA tests, which can provide comprehensive ancestry information. Additionally, social media has played a crucial role in amplifying the curiosity about personal heritage, as users often share their DNA test results and stories, further driving market growth.

Technological advancements in genetic testing have also spurred market growth. Innovations in DNA sequencing technology have made genetic testing more accurate, faster, and more affordable. Companies are continually investing in research and development to enhance the precision and reliability of their DNA tests. These technological improvements have expanded the market's potential by attracting a broader audience, including those who may have been previously deterred by high costs or concerns about test accuracy. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in data analysis has enabled more detailed and accurate interpretation of DNA test results, enhancing the overall customer experience.

The increasing prevalence of genetic health awareness is another significant growth driver. As more individuals become aware of the potential health insights that can be gleaned from genealogical DNA tests, the market has seen a rise in demand for genetic health testing services. These tests can identify predispositions to certain genetic conditions, allowing individuals to take proactive measures towards their health and well-being. This growing health consciousness, coupled with the convenience of at-home testing kits, has broadened the market's consumer base to include not only those interested in ancestry but also those concerned about their genetic health.

Regionally, North America holds the largest share of the genealogical DNA test market, primarily due to high consumer awareness, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and the presence of major market players. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Factors contributing to this growth include increasing disposable incomes, rising internet penetration, and growing interest in personal heritage and genetic health. Additionally, favorable government initiatives and policies supporting genetic research and testing are propelling market growth in this region.

Test Type Analysis

The genealogical DNA test market is segmented into three primary test types: autosomal DNA testing, Y-DNA testing, and mtDNA testing. Each of these test types serves different purposes and provides unique insights into an individual's genetic background.

Autosomal DNA testing is the most common and widely used method in genealogical DNA testing. This test analyzes the 22 pairs of autosomes (non-sex chromosomes) in an individual's DNA, providing a comprehensive overview of their genetic ancestry. Autosomal DNA tests can trace lineage from both paternal and maternal sides, making them highly popular among consumers seeking detailed ancestry information. The high accuracy, affordability, and ease of use of autosomal DNA tests have significantly contributed to the growth of this segment. Moreover, advancements in database size and comparison algorithms have enhanced the precision of this test type, making it a preferred choice for consumers.

Y-DNA testing focuses on the Y chromosome, which is passed down exclusively from father to son. This test is used to trace direct paternal lineage and is particularly valuable for individuals interested in exploring their paternal ancestry and surname origins. While Y-DNA tests are less commonly used than autosomal tests, they hold significant importance for those seeking to uncover specific paternal heritage information. The growth o

In desert environments, unique communities depend on groundwater at springs. There is a diverse radiation of small (<5 mm) snails found across the desert southwest in North America. Nearly all springsnail species are considered critically imperiled with their existence depending on maintenance of spring-flows in regions of declining water availability. Extant, endemic, springsnails in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas include one species of Pseudotryonia Hershler, 2001, five nominal Tryonia W. Stimpson, 1865 (Cochliopidae) and seven Pyrgulopsis Call & Pilsbry, 1886 (Hydrobiidae). Four of these snails are classified as endangered under the US Endangered Species Act. Survey work was conducted at the type and previously reported localities of named springsnails and 116 previously unsampled spring sites to locate and identify additional populations. Sequences of the DNA barcoding region were used to establish a database of known sequences from the named species and confirm identifications of new populations encountered. Methods Our sampling plan included several potential methods, and they were deployed as appropriate depending on site conditions such as water depth and sediment type. The planned methods included drift net sampling over spring openings (1–2 days), dip net sampling, Surber sampling (3X per site), Bou-Rouch sampling (3X per site), and searching by eye and hand-collecting snails. We found snails primarily by hand-collections but at a few sites where the snails occurred in low abundances (Diamond Y spring, Karges Spring, Naegele Spring, Capote Creek Crossing) they were only found by dip net or Surber sampling. Our hand-collections included finding up to 60 individuals at a site for DNA barcoding and species characterization. Voucher specimens for new and resampled sites were placed into either the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University (ANSP) or the Edwards Aquifer Research and Data Center (EARDC). Some occurrence records are also included from the United States National Museum (USNM) from taxonomic literature records. Due to concerns about privacy and conservation of fragile spring sites, as a condition of sampling, some landowners required omission of precise coordinates in published work. To allow scientific reproducibility, the coordinates can be obtained by researchers from the museum collection where the specimens are vouchered, from the TPWD Natural Diversity Database (https://tpwd.texas.gov/) or by contacting the study authors. For two occurrences, T. cheatumi from West Sandia Springs, and T. metcalfi from Capote Creek Crossing, the only available voucher materials were ground for DNA work and so museum vouchers are not available. Collections were conducted under TPWD permit #SPR-0116-011 and USFWS #TE802211-0. Bulk samples were immediately preserved in 70% nondenatured ethanol in the field, then ethanol was replaced after 24 hours. Snails intended for DNA and taxonomic work were kept in cool spring water until processing the same day. Individuals for DNA work were killed by flash-boiling (Fukuda et al. 2008), followed by preservation in 95% ethanol. Individuals for morphological study were relaxed in mentholated water, then preserved in 70% ethanol. DNA was extracted using Qiagen DNAEasy Blood & Tissue Kit, followed by PCR using one of two primers for amplification of COI, the universal DNA barcoding primers (Folmer et al. 1994) or a derivative designed for spring snails (Liu et al. 2001). Samples were cleaned using the Qiagen QIAquick PCR Purification Kit, quantified using a Qubit (Invitrogen), and sequenced by Eton BioScience, Inc. Contigs were made and sequences were aligned using Geneious 10.2.6 (Biomatters). All available sequences from GenBank appearing in previous literature were included with new sequences generated during this study. GenBank sequences must be used with caution as misidentifications and outdated metadata are typical. For that reason, the GenBank sequences that were included are only those from the taxonomic literature that described these species, or from topotypic individuals. For type localities where we were not able to sample and sequence from fresh materials, these were used to confirm species identity. For Tryonia, the analysis was conducted with the Texas Pseudotryonia included as these genera are closely related. Previous analyses have placed Pyrgulopsis texana (Pilsbry, 1935) distant from the rest of the Texas Pyrgulopsis, therefore, that species was used to root the tree for analysis (Perez 2021). Sequences were aligned in Geneious R10 using the MUSCLE alignment algorithm (Edgar 2004). Phylogenetic analyses were conducted in IQTree 1.6.12 (Minh et al. 2013, Nguyen et al. 2015, Hoang et al. 2018). Pairwise differences were calculated in MEGA 11 (Tamura et al. 2013) using the Kimura two-parameter model (Kimura 1980). The K2P model is the standard for DNA barcode studies, where distances are assumed to be relatively low (Hebert et al. 2003). To look for a barcoding gap, we compared the within- and among-species K2P distances within each genus.

Appendix S1Appendix S1: Compendium of all German beetle species used in this study including information on their geographical distribution, specimen count, BIN, Mean and Max ISD, Nearest-Neighbor(NN) species and Distance to NN.Appendix S2Appendix S2: Accession numbers, BOLD Sample-IDs and species names for all specimens used in this study.Appendix S3CO1-5P Alignments15 files of 1000 aligned CO1 sequencesAlignments.zip

Monitoring the community structure and metabolic activities of cyanobacterial blooms in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, is critical to lake management because these blooms degrade water quality and produce toxic microcystins that are harmful to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Genetic tools, such as DNA fingerprinting by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis, high-throughput DNA sequencing (HTS), and real-time, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) provide more sensitive and rapid assessments of bloom ecology than traditional techniques. The objectives of this study were (1) to characterize the microbial community at one site in Upper Klamath Lake and determine changes in the cyanobacterial community through time using T-RFLP and HTS in comparison with traditional light microscopy; (2) to determine relative abundances and changes in abundance over time of toxigenic Microcystis using qPCR; and (3) to determine relative abundances and changes in abundance over time of Aphanizomenon, Microcystis, and total cyanobacteria using qPCR. T-RFLP analysis of total cyanobacteria showed a dominance of only one or two distinct genotypes in samples from 2013, but results of HTS in 2013 and 2014 showed more variations in the bloom cycle that fit with the previous understanding of bloom dynamics in Upper Klamath Lake and indicated that potentially toxigenic Microcystis was more prevalent in 2014 than in years prior. The qPCR-estimated copy numbers of all target genes were higher in 2014 than in 2013, when microcystin concentrations also were higher. Total Microcystis density was shown with qPCR to be a better predictor of late-season increases in microcystin concentrations than the relative proportions of potentially toxigenic cells. In addition, qPCR targeting Aphanizomenon at one site in Upper Klamath Lake indicated a moderate bloom of this species (corresponding to chlorophyll a concentrations between approximately 75 and 200 micrograms per liter) from mid-June to mid-August, 2014. After August 18, the Aphanizomenon bloom was overtaken by Microcystis late in the season as microcystin concentrations peaked. Overall, results of this study showed how DNA-based, genetic methods may provide rapid and sensitive diagnoses for the presence of toxigenic cyanobacteria and that they are useful for general monitoring or ecological studies and identification of cyanobacterial community members in complex aquatic habitats. These same methods can also be used to simultaneously address spatial (horizontal and vertical) and temporal variation under different conditions. Additionally, with some modifications, the same techniques can be applied to different sample types, including water, sediment, and tissue.

As per Cognitive Market Research's latest published report, the Global Genealogy Products and Services Market size will be USD 5,093.64 Million by 2028. Genealogy Products and Services Industry's Compound Annual Growth Rate will be 7.97% from 2023 to 2030.

The North America Genealogy Products and Services market size will be USD 2,008.93 Million by 2028.

Market Dynamics of Genealogy Products and Services

Key Drivers for Genealogy Products and Services

Growing Interest in Ancestry and Family History: Rising consumer interest in personal heritage, cultural origins, and ethnic backgrounds is driving the demand for genealogy kits, online family tree services, and archival data platforms.

Advancements in DNA Testing Technologies: The development of cost-effective and precise DNA testing technologies has transformed genealogy, facilitating easier access for consumers to genetic information that enhances traditional family research.

Increased Digitalization of Historical Records: Governments, religious institutions, and private companies are digitizing essential records (birth, marriage, death, census), broadening access for genealogists and boosting subscriptions to genealogy services.

Key Restraints for Genealogy Products and Services

Concerns Regarding Privacy and Data Security: The act of sharing genetic and personal information on the internet presents significant privacy challenges, which may deter potential users due to fears of misuse, data breaches, or insufficient control over their personal data.

Limited Access to Records in Specific Regions: The presence of historical conflicts, inadequate recordkeeping, and disjointed archives in certain nations complicates the process of tracing lineage, thereby diminishing the effectiveness and attractiveness of services on a global scale.

Costs Associated with Subscriptions and Testing: Despite a reduction in prices, the comprehensive DNA kits and premium family history subscriptions continue to pose a financial obstacle for numerous users, particularly in developing economies.

Key Trends for Genealogy Products and Services

Integration of Artificial Intelligence for Record Matching: Companies are leveraging AI and machine learning technologies to identify patterns, propose familial connections, and automatically construct family trees, thereby improving user experience and the precision of research.

Collaborations with Health and Wellness Providers: Genealogy services are progressively forming partnerships with health platforms, providing users with insights into genetic predispositions, nutrition based on ancestry, and wellness recommendations.

Mobile Applications and Research Tools for On-the-Go: There is an increasing trend towards mobile-optimized platforms, allowing users to investigate family trees, upload documents, and engage with relatives directly from their smartphones. Introduction of Genealogy Products and Services

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There is increasing technological advancement in the genealogical studies and its benefits in effectively find out information about ancestors has gained popularity across globe that drives the growth of genealogy products and service market.

For instance, there are various technological incorporation and ensure cost effective research that helps in tracing lineages, information about ancestors. The major companies are adopting DNA testing services and they merged genealogical research with genetic testing that helps in obtaining information about families. They have database, online records that has detailed information about ancestors. They use modern applications such as Ancestry, electronic database, blogs, that provide accurate database and genetic representation of family tree used in genetic services.

There are various benefits such as genealogical data provides medical history of...