New DNA research facility

La Trobe University has recently opened a new research facility in the field of population biology on its main Melbourne campus.

Called the Rapid DNA Assessment Facility for Population Biology, it results from a Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs grant awarded to a consortium comprising La Trobe, Monash and Queensland universities.

The aim is to establish high-throughput genetic marker capabilities to allow Australia to be competitive in molecular population biology.

Dr Yvonne Parsons, a molecular biologist with La Trobe's Centre of Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research (CESAR) and the Department of Genetics, said DNA markers provide innovative ways of rapidly developing tools for identifying both pest and beneficial species, understanding their reproduction and ability to infest new areas. Part of this would be to map and predict the evolution of their pesticide resistance.

DNA markers are also essential for innovative approaches in areas of conservation management such as identfication of populations that are genetically and adaptively unique and should be targeted for conservation.

Professor Ary Hoffman of CESAR said the university now has a major facility to carry out rapid DNA genotyping that was also useful to outside organisations involved in conserving and managing Australian fauna and flora.

Item provided courtesy of La Trobe University