By Camryn Sudimick, Writing Intern White sharks are one of the most iconic species in the sea. While they have gained a fearsome reputation, researchers like Patrick Tardie, a Maine-eDNA undergraduate intern, argue they should instead be recognized for their vital role as apex predators in marine ecosystems. While white shark populations faced a decline […]
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By Ilaria Bardini, Writing Intern The many applications of environmental DNA (eDNA) in research and conservation has inspired educators to find ways to implement such topics into their various curricula. As an emerging appliance, eDNA can allow researchers and stakeholders to track population fluctuations of keystone species in order better understand the impacts of climate […]
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By, Colin Gallagher, Media Intern and Caty DuDevoir, Writing Intern The Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies (FIRST), formerly known as the Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology (LASST), is an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Maine (UMaine), with the vision of becoming a leader in materials, devices, and systems research. The […]
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By Stefania Irene Marthakis “Maine-eDNA was one of my main inspirations to continue to study Zoology at the University of Maine, Decorey Bolton Jr. said. “I’m especially interested in animal’s behavioral patterns, how different environmental factors are affecting their movement patterns, and their interactions with other animals.” DeCorey Bolton Jr. is an alumni and now […]
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By Evan Bartow, Writing Intern Located across the many aquatic enviroments of Maine, harmful algae blooms (HABs) are caused by algae that can grow uncontrollably, and cause the production of naturally produced toxins. These toxins negatively impact other organisms within the aquatic ecosystems. Robin Sleith, who started as a postdoctoral scientist at Bigelow Laboratory for […]
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By Evan Bartow, Writing Intern Assisting in the development of new environmental genomics research, Dave Ernst (postdoctoral scientist at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences) works to develop the research tools that leverage environmental RNA (eRNA) as part of the NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 Maine-eDNA grant. The use of eRNA detection tools can help expand the […]
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By Ilaria Bardini, Writing Intern Natural ecosystems, including Maine’s plants and forests, are increasingly being impacted by pollution and climate change. Mycorrhizal fungi, fungal communities that have often unseen symbiotic relationships with the roots of plants, are vital to forest communication and their consequent growth and success. The build-up of toxic chemicals and pollutants in […]
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By Ilaria Bardini, Media Intern As the world’s climate changes, ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them are changing as well. This holds true for blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, which are beginning to populate areas along the coast of Maine. Native to warmer waters along the U.S. coastlines, the rising temperatures in the Gulf of […]
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By Caty DuDevoir, Media Intern Across the NSF EPSCoR Track-1 Maine-eDNA grant, researchers are partnering with local communities and organizations to maintain dialogue and expand conservation in Maine’s waters. Located close to the University of Maine Orono campus, the Penobscot River, New England’s second largest river system, provides Maine-eDNA researchers studying freshwater systems or species […]
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Undergraduate Student Employees Environmental DNA (eDNA) Maine-eDNA Full-time, starting May 2023 Overview: The Maine-eDNA program is seeking undergraduate students to join our team, a state-wide, multi-institutional initiative establishing Maine as a national leader in environmental monitoring, ecological understanding, and sustainability of coastal ecosystems (https://umaine.edu/edna/). Students will have the opportunity to participate through internship experiences in a […]
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