Prof, DNA Barcoding Make Headlines
April 01, 2013 - In the News
DNA barcoding and its University of Guelph creator were featured in a prominent story, video and photo essay that ran in the National Post this past weekend.
The story focused on integrative biology professor Paul Hebert, director of the Guelph-based Biodiversity Institute of Ontario and scientific director of the International Barcode of Life project.
The story discusses how DNA barcoding has allowed for the creation of a “digital Noah’s Ark,” helping scientists discover an unexpected treasure trove of new species in the wild.
DNA barcoding has also emerged as a watchdog of sorts on food products, being used to trace the origin of food and food contaminants and alleviating consumer fears, the story says.
Developed by Hebert, DNA barcoding is a molecular technique that allows scientists to match up barcodes from specimens of unknown identity to those derived from expert-identified reference specimens.
The analytical approach works for all life stages and will eventually allow biologists to rapidly identify species from even a snippet of DNA.
It’s providing new tools for everything from monitoring invasive species to improving pest and disease control to digitizing hundreds of thousands of global specimens.
