University of Oxford Department of Zoology Begins Project for Whole Genome Sequencing of Extinct Flightless Birds

Oxford, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - October 27, 2020) - The University of Oxford's Department of Zoology today announces that it will begin whole genome sequencing of extinct flightless birds, including the dodo and its sister taxa, the Rodrigues solitaire. The whole genome sequencing project is being funded by a donation from Joseph Hernandez, a healthcare and biotech entrepreneurial leader who has shown a continued interest in the dodo and in answering question about evolutionary trajectories of flightless birds.

To view the full announcement, including downloadable images, bios, and more, click here.

Key Takeaways:

• Zoology Department to perform two-year project to produce suite of comparative genomes of extinct Dodo and Rodrigues Solitaire
• Complete genome of dodo would provide information on an extinct species that is comparable to that known for living ones in a way that has not been previously possible
• Expected outcome to yield whole genomes to answer question of convergence for flightlessness and to examine connections between phenotypes and genotypes

University of Oxford Department of Zoology:The Department of Zoology carries out research on a very broad range of topics, though with an emphasis on problems involving how organisms evolve and interact with their environment. The department is within the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division.

The department's research is organized into four broad themes: evolution and development; behavior; ecology and conservation; and infectious disease.

There is considerable overlap between these themes, with many members of the department working in more than one theme, and many research projects that cut across theme boundaries. Indeed, a key characteristic of the department is that it works as a well-integrated whole with collaborations developing naturally between researchers working on diverse topics. www.zoo.ox.ac.uk

Joseph Hernandez:Joseph Hernandez, M.S., M.B.A, is an entrepreneurial leader with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare field. He has a background in company creation, early stage technology development, as well as private and public market financing. Over the course of his career, he has founded or led eight entrepreneurial companies in cutting edge areas of healthcare and pharmaceuticals. He is currently the founder and chief executive officer of Blue Water Acquisition Company and the chairman of Blue Water Vaccines.

About Oxford University:Oxford University has been placed number one in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the fifth year running, and at the heart of this success is our ground-breaking research and innovation. Oxford is world-famous for research excellence and home to some of the most talented people from across the globe.

Contacts:

Eric Ando1 646 218 4604Eric.Ando@RussoPartnersllc.com

Tim Coulson, Joint Head of the Department of Zoology44 01865 271241tim.coulson@zoo.ox.ac.uk

Source: University of Oxford Department of Zoology

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