Latest news with #Darwin'sCats
Associated Press
19-03-2025
- Science
- Associated Press
Darwin's Cats Invites Cat Lovers to Help Decode Feline DNA with a New Breakthrough in Genetics Research
Join the movement to solve the mysteries of cat genetics with the first fur-based DNA sequencing method for pets EDMONDS, WA, March 19, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- Cats may be cherished companions in nearly 50 million U.S. households, but their genetics remain a mystery. Darwin's Cats, a pioneering research initiative from the nonprofit Darwin's Ark, is working to change that and calling on cat lovers everywhere to take part in the largest community-powered feline genetics study to date. With its innovative fur-based DNA sequencing method—a first in pet science—Darwin's Cats is making it easier than ever to contribute to genetics research to improve the health and well-being of cats everywhere. Unlike traditional DNA collection methods, which require saliva swabs or blood draws, fur-based sequencing offers a stress-free way for thousands of cat owners to take science into their own hands—literally. With just a simple brush of their cat's coat, an easy process that most cats already enjoy, participants can help build the most comprehensive feline genetic database ever assembled to catalyze important scientific discoveries. 'Cats are one of the least-studied companion animals in genomics, and as a result we are missing out on all that genetics can tell us about their ancestry, behavior, and health,' said Dr. Elinor Karlsson, Chief Scientist at Darwin's Ark, Associate Professor at UMass Chan Medical School, and Director of the Vertebrate Genomics Group at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. 'I'm excited about Darwin's Cats' fur-based DNA collection because it is easy on the cat and easy to scale, making it possible for us to level up cat genetics research.' Breaking Barriers in Feline Genetics with a Simple, Cat-Friendly Approach Launched last year, Darwin's Cats is a community science initiative that brings together cat owners, leading researchers, and innovative genomic technologies to solve the mysteries of cat genetics. To advance this research, scientists at Darwin's Ark developed a novel method for sequencing DNA using fur. This game-changing approach to DNA collection is cat-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable, setting the stage for Darwin's Cats to advance large-scale genetics research. By combining genetic data with owner-provided information on appearance, behavior, and health, Darwin's Cats researchers will be able to investigate: Genetic Diversity: Mapping feline ancestry and genetic variation across breeds and populations. Trait & Behavior Analysis: Understanding how genetics influence behavior, personality traits, and physical characteristics. Health & Well-Being: Identifying genetic risk factors for health conditions like kidney disease, allergies, and cancer. 'This is an exciting opportunity for cat lovers to play a pivotal role in scientific discovery,' said Jill Simmons, Darwin's Ark CEO. 'By harnessing the passion and unmatched expertise of thousands of cat owners, we can transform what we know about cats and help them live healthier, happier lives.' Inviting Every Cat Lover to Take Part in Scientific Discovery With 5,000 cats enrolled, Darwin's Cats is the world's largest feline community science initiative. And now, thanks to its innovative fur-based approach to DNA sequencing, it is ready for cat lovers everywhere to take part in this groundbreaking study, aiming to enroll 100,000 cats and sequence 5,000 DNA samples in the next year. Interested cat owners can become community scientists by registering for free and sharing insights about their cat through research surveys. Those wanting to help expand science's understanding of feline genetics will receive a DNA kit with a $150 tax-deductible donation that supports the cost of sequencing and analysis. Participants will get regular research updates, and once 1,000 cats are sequenced, they will also receive ancestry and other insights about their cat's genetics. Enrollment is now open at About Darwin's Ark Darwin's Ark is a community science nonprofit that catalyzes groundbreaking genetics research by engaging pets and their people in scientific discovery. By uniting pet lovers with leading scientists and cutting-edge genomic technology, Darwin's Ark explores the genetic foundations of health and behavior—advancing scientific discoveries that improve health and well-being for both pets and their people. Learn more and join the journey of discovery at:
The Guardian
19-03-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Cat owners asked to share pets' quirks for genetic study
Cat owners are being asked share their pet's quirky traits and even post researchers their fur in an effort to shed light on how cats' health and behaviour are influenced by their genetics. The scientists behind the project, Darwin's Cats, are hoping to enrol 100,000 felines, from pedigrees to moggies, with the DNA of 5,000 cats expected to be sequenced in the next year. The team say the goal is to produce the world's largest feline genetic database. 'Unlike most existing databases, which tend to focus on specific breeds or veterinary applications, Darwin's Cats is building a diverse, large-scale dataset that includes pet cats, strays and mixed breeds from all walks of life,' said Dr Elinor Karlsson, the chief scientist at the US non-profit organisation Darwin's Ark, director of the vertebrate genomics group at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and associate professor at the UMass Chan Medical School. 'It's important to note, this is an open data project, so we will share the data with other scientists as the data set grows.' she added. The project follows on the heels of Darwin's Dogs, a similar endeavour that has shed light on aspects of canine behaviour, disease and the genetic origins of modern breeds. Darwin's Cats was launched in mid-2024 and already has more than 3,000 cats enrolled, although not all have submitted fur samples. Participants from all parts of the world are asked to complete a number of free surveys about their pet's physical traits, behaviour, environment, and health. However, at present, DNA kits – for owners to submit fur samples – can be sent only to US residents, and a donation of $199 (£160) is requested to cover the cost of sequencing and help fund the research. Karlsson added the team had developed a method to obtain high-quality DNA from loose fur without needing its roots – meaning samples can simply be collected by brushing. The researchers hope that by combining insights from cats' DNA with the survey results they can shed light on how feline genetics influences what cats look like, how they act and the diseases they experience. 'Understanding the genetics behind personality traits could even shed light on human neurodevelopmental conditions,' said Karlsson. The team also hopes to learn more about the genetic diversity of different breeds and unpick the ancestry of modern cats, with Karlsson adding she is particularly interested in many-toed cats. 'I'm really curious to find out how common this trait is in different parts of the world. I hope one day we might be able to combine that information with genetics to trace this trait back to its origins,' she said. A spokesperson for the charity International Cat Care (iCatCare), which is not involved in the work, said: 'We're really interested in the collaborative approach of Darwin's Ark, particularly in encouraging pet owners as community scientists to help advance the collective scientific understanding of cats as a species.' Dr Jeffrey Schoenebeck, of the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, also welcomed the . scheme. 'This is an important project that has the potential to improve our understanding of companion animals, the diseases that cause their morbidities, and the very nature of feline domestication,' he said.
