New Genomics Investments Expand eDNA Monitoring in BC's Remote and Indigenous Communities
VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - On World Environment Day, Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) is proud to announce significant new investments that will expand Canada's capacity for environmental DNA or RNA (collectively called 'eDNA') monitoring. These investments highlight British Columbia's leadership in leveraging genomics to address pressing environmental and health challenges, particularly in remote and Indigenous communities.
Nature's Fingerprints: eDNA is a New Tool that Reveals What's Living Around Us
eDNA is a powerful tool that uses trace genetic material left behind in water, air and soil to detect pathogens, assess ecosystem health and support environmental decision-making. eDNA allows scientists and communities to detect and track species without needing to see them directly, offering a more efficient way to study ecosystems. eDNA can also track health and ecological signals without relying on invasive testing.
This technology was widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic to monitor virus levels in wastewater and is now being expanded to keep people safe, protect biodiversity and help with climate resilience. The projects announced today focus on ensuring these tools are not just scientifically robust, but also community-driven and accessible — especially for regions with limited existing monitoring infrastructure.
"These investments reflect how genomics is helping us learn directly from the environments we live in — and how that knowledge can be shared in ways that empower communities," said Federica Di Palma, Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President, Research and Innovation at Genome BC. "By supporting eDNA research rooted in partnership with Indigenous and remote communities, BC researchers are helping lead the way toward more inclusive, real-time approaches to health and environmental monitoring."
Three Projects Expanding eDNA Use and Data Sharing
The ChùNet and iMicroSeq projects are BC-based projects awarded through Genome Canada's eDNA Surveillance program, which includes a $11.3 million investment in 12 projects across the country aimed at building the scientific, technical and community capacity needed to scale eDNA surveillance. The eDNA Explorer Canada project is a separate initiative funded by Genome BC, though all three projects will coordinate their efforts.
ChùNet: Enabling a knowledge sharing network — learning from water and the life it carries
Led by: Erin Gill (Simon Fraser University) and Math'ieya Alatini (One Yukon Coalition)
This project will establish a community-focused network to share data and knowledge about water-based eDNA monitoring in northern, rural, remote and Indigenous communities in BC and the Yukon. Co-led by academic and community partners, ChùNet will create tailored training resources and deploy a demonstration monitoring project while respecting OCAP® principles. The aim is to build a wholistic foundation for integrating environmental and public health surveillance that builds local priorities into decision making.
iMicroSeq: Integrated, inclusive resources supporting environmental sequence data
Led by: Fiona Brinkman and Emma Griffiths (Simon Fraser University)
This project will develop a national data portal and communications platform that brings together researchers, Indigenous communities, public health officials and other in industry to support more coordinated, integrated microbial eDNA monitoring for wastewater and other water data. iMicroSeq will enhance data sharing, respect Indigenous data sovereignty (CARE and OCAP® Principles), and link human, agricultural and environmental health through a One Health lens. The platform will empower both community and industry innovation in economic, water-based pathogen detection and climate resilience.
eDNA Explorer Canada: Upscaling eDNA Explorer to Enable Effective Biodiversity Monitoring in Canada
Led by: Caren Helbing (University of Victoria) and Rachel Meyer (University of Santa Cruz & Chief Scientific Officer at eDNA Explorer)
This project leverages the eDNA Explorer platform developed in California to create eDNA Explorer Canada. This powerful, easy-to-use portal will allow anyone to understand, evaluate and share eDNA data gathered in Canadian ecosystems, focusing on biodiversity monitoring, conservation and restoration. eDNA Explorer Canada is tailored to meet Canadian environmental standards and sovereignty needs, ensuring data is reliable and legally compliant. It aims to turn raw data into actionable insights that drive environmental protection efforts, building on existing relationships with Indigenous and government agencies established through the iTrackDNA project, which in 2021 and 2023 established Canada's national eDNA standards (learn more about those standards here).
About Genome British Columbia:
Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced genomics research and innovation for 25 years, growing a world-class life sciences sector in BC and delivering sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond. Genome BC has attracted over $1 billion in direct co-investment to the province, which has contributed to funding more than 550 genomics research and innovation projects. These initiatives enhance healthcare and address environmental and natural resource challenges, improving the lives of British Columbians. Genome BC also integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible research and innovation and fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public. www.genomebc.ca
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
21 minutes ago
- Cision Canada
Bybit P2P Africa Exclusive Giveaway: Thousands of Branded Merchandise and 1,800 USDT in Rewards
DUBAI, UAE, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, announced the launch of B ybit P2P Africa Showdown, an exclusive trading challenge for eligible users in Africa. Sharing the passion for P2P trading and promoting financial inclusion, Bybit P2P is committed to serving the unique needs of cryptocurrency enthusiasts on the continent. The competition features a tiered reward system where participants can unlock increasingly valuable prizes based on their trading volumes. From now until July 19, 2025, the event offers participants the opportunity to win from a 1,800 USDT prize pool while competing for over 2,200 pieces of exclusive Bybit merchandise, including limited edition apparel, tote bags, tumblers and more. To participate, traders must register for the event and complete a minimum of 50,000 USDT in eligible P2P buy orders during the campaign period. Apart from Bybit-branded merchandises, the top five traders in each currency will also take home extra USDT rewards. Bybit P2P contributes to eliminating traditional barriers to the digital asset sphere, and connects buyers and sellers directly via its user-friendly trading platform. It offers enhanced privacy, KYC and security infrastructure, greater control over transaction terms, and access to local payment methods that may not be available through conventional service providers. For African traders, Bybit P2P supports local currency transactions and payment preferences, making digital assets more accessible to users across diverse financial ecosystems. The event is exclusive for eligible Bybit's P2P users in Africa only. In-scope currencies include: Nigerian Naira (NGN), Kenyan Shilling (KES), Ghanaian Cedi (GHS), West African CFA Franc (XOF), and Central African CFA Franc (XAF). Terms and conditions apply. Rewards are on a first-come, first-served basis. Restrictions apply. For more benefits and rewards, users may explore Bybit P2P. #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at
Cision Canada
8 hours ago
- Cision Canada
EAN Congress: Frequent nightmares triple risk of early death and accelerate ageing, major study finds
HELSINKI, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- New research presented today at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2025 reveals that frequent nightmares are associated with significantly accelerated biological ageing and a more than threefold increase in the risk of premature death. This study is the first to show that nightmares independently predict faster biological ageing and earlier mortality – even after accounting for other health issues. Led by Dr Abidemi Otaiku of the UK Dementia Research Institute and Imperial College London, the study analysed data from 2,429 children aged 8 to 10 and 183,012 adults aged 26 to 86 across six long-term population cohorts. Nightmare frequency in adults was self-reported at the start of the study, with participants followed for up to 19 years. For children, nightmare frequency was reported by their parents at the beginning of the study. Results showed that adults reporting weekly nightmares were more than three times as likely to die prematurely (before age 70) compared to those who rarely or never experienced nightmares. Children and adults with more frequent nightmares also exhibited faster biological ageing, which accounted for approximately 40% of the heightened mortality risk. Notably, weekly nightmares were found to be a stronger predictor of premature death than other established risk factors such as smoking, obesity, poor diet, and low physical activity. "Our sleeping brains cannot distinguish dreams from reality", Dr Otaiku explained. "That's why nightmares often wake us up sweating, gasping for breath, and with our hearts pounding – because our fight-or-flight response has been triggered. This stress reaction can be even more intense than anything we experience while awake." He continued, "Nightmares lead to prolonged elevations of cortisol, a stress hormone closely linked to faster cellular ageing. For those who frequently experience nightmares, this cumulative stress may significantly impact the ageing process. Additionally, nightmares disrupt both sleep quality and duration, impairing the body's essential overnight cellular restoration and repair. The combined effects of chronic stress and disrupted sleep likely contribute to the accelerated ageing of our cells and bodies." The association between frequent nightmares and accelerated ageing remained consistent across all ages, sexes, ethnicities, and mental health statuses, indicating a universal effect. Even monthly nightmares were linked to faster ageing and increased mortality compared to rare or no nightmares, emphasising the importance of reducing nightmare frequency across the population.
Cision Canada
11 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Media advisory - Minister Solomon to participate in Toronto Tech Week 2025 Français
TORONTO, June 22, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, will participate in a series of events, meetings and visits with Canada's AI ecosystem and business leaders for Toronto Tech Week 2025. Minister Solomon to participate in a site visit at Xanadu Date: Monday, June 23, 2025 Time: 11:00 am (ET) Note: Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at [email protected] to receive event location details and confirm their attendance. Stay connected Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website. SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
