Article
Environmental Sciences
Camille Leal, Dhara Avelino-Alves, Vinicius Salazar, Claudia Omachi, Cristiane Thompson, Roberto G. S. Berlinck, Eduardo Hajdu, Fabiano Thompson
Summary: This study reveals that both Low Microbial Abundance and High Microbial Abundance sponge species have stable prokaryotic communities across vast geographic regions, indicating their high adaptability.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yunzhi Feng, Dong Sun, Qianwen Shao, Chen Fang, Chunsheng Wang
Summary: This study investigated the seasonal variations in the zooplankton community structure in the western Pacific Warm Pool. Three methods, including microscopy, ZooScan digital imaging, and DNA metabarcoding, were used. The results showed that the metabarcoding method detected more zooplankton taxa than microscopy. The COI metabarcoding method was more sensitive in detecting seasonal variations in the community.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
V. Venkataramana, R. K. Mishra, P. Sabu, N. Anilkumar, A. Sarkar, R. K. Naik, Melena A. Soares, L. Gawade
Summary: This study investigated the impact of phytoplankton size class biomass on trophic interactions in the Seychelles-Chagos thermocline ridge of the Indian Ocean, highlighting the key role of nitrite in promoting the growth of smaller phytoplankton and influencing zooplankton community structure. The dominance of picophytoplankton biomass in surface waters and its relationship with zooplankton composition suggests that poecilostomatoids may play a crucial role as carbon drivers in this region.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Tanya A. Marshall, Lisa Beal, Daniel M. Sigman, Sarah E. Fawcett
Summary: The Agulhas Current, like other western boundary currents, transports nutrients from the tropics to the subtropics. These nutrients fuel a brief period of productivity in the surface waters before being consumed by phytoplankton. Although episodic mixing events can temporarily alleviate nutrient scarcity, our understanding of these fluxes is limited due to their spatio-temporal constraints.
Review
Oceanography
Maria Luz Fernandez de Puelles, Magdalena Gaza, Mar Santandreu, Santiago Hernandez-Leon
Summary: This study analyzed the vertical distribution of zooplankton community in the tropical-subtropical Atlantic Ocean. It found an increasing gradient of mesozooplankton abundance and identified different vertical migration patterns of copepods.
PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sergey A. Piontkovski, Alexandr Melnik, Irina M. Serikova, Vladislav P. Evstigneev, Sergey Dobretsov
Summary: This study reveals the significant variation of bioluminescent potential in the upper mixed layer of the western Indian Ocean during the winter monsoon season. The maximal potential is associated with cyclonic eddy, and the fine-scale measurements show higher spatial heterogeneity. The trend of bioluminescent potential variance is similar to the zooplankton biomass.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunzhi Feng, Dong Sun, Qianwen Shao, Chen Fang, Chunsheng Wang
Summary: This study investigated the biodiversity and vertical assemblages of mesozooplankton in the western tropical Pacific Ocean using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and morphological identification methods. The results showed that eDNA metabarcoding revealed more medusae taxa than morphological processing and both methods detected small copepod species as the dominant group in the community. The study also identified distinct vertical variations of mesozooplankton communities within the epipelagic zone using eDNA analysis. Diel patterns of copepod abundance were observed, indicating that eDNA methods can capture diel vertical migration signals. Overall, eDNA metabarcoding is an effective tool for studying and monitoring mesozooplankton diversity and vertical assemblages in the open sea.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Huan Mei, Jianxin Dong, Xiangbai Wu
Summary: This study investigates the influence of the meridional shift of the oceanic subtropical front (STF) on the regime shifts of the Agulhas Current (AC). Satellite observations and an ocean model are used to analyze the AC flow patterns. The results show that the northward shift of the STF leads to AC leaping across the gap, while the southward shift results in AC intruding into the Atlantic Ocean. The model reproduces the observed AC regimes and helps explain the observed Agulhas leakage.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marisa Roch, Peter Brandt, Sunke Schmidtko, Filomena Vaz Velho, Marek Ostrowski
Summary: Observations from the Argo float array show a warming and freshening trend in the upper mixed layer of the southeastern tropical Atlantic Ocean, leading to increased upper-ocean stratification. Changes in wind stress and weakened coastal upwelling may explain the southward spread of tropical surface waters in the region.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Jee-Hoon Kim, Hyoung Sul La, Kyoung-Ho Cho, Jinyoung Jung, Sung-Ho Kang, Kanghyun Lee, Eun Jin Yang
Summary: This study is the first comprehensive investigation of Arctic zooplankton, revealing significant spatial variations in the distribution and structure of these communities in the western Arctic Ocean, which are influenced by factors such as water temperature, salinity, and sea ice.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Sihua Huang, Bin Wang, Zhiping Wen, Zesheng Chen
Summary: Previous studies have found a strong connection between the tropical easterly jet (TEJ) and Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR), but this relationship breaks down from 1994 to 2003. This breakdown is attributed to increased rainfall variability over the tropical eastern Indian Ocean (TEIO).
JOURNAL OF CLIMATE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yi Long, Md Abu Noman, Dawei Chen, Shihao Wang, Hao Yu, Hongtao Chen, Min Wang, Jun Sun
Summary: A study conducted in the Western Pacific Ocean in 2017 assessed the zooplankton community composition in different regions, revealing the highest abundance in the equator section. Environmental factors such as nitrite and chlorophyll a concentrations were found to be significantly correlated with zooplankton abundance. The distribution of zooplankton was influenced by temperature, nutrient salinity, ocean currents, and water masses movement.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Jinxi Song, Dong Liang
Summary: This study compared eDNA metabarcoding technology with conventional microscopical approaches to identify the variability characteristics of the Weihe River community structure under changing environment. The molecular method identified three times more species than the traditional method, significantly improving species identification ability. Molecular methods elucidated the interaction between eco-hydrological variables and zooplankton community structure. Our research provides meaningful demonstrations on the application of eDNA technology in river ecosystem monitoring and assessment.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Daniele de A. Miranda, Juliana Leonel, Jonathan P. Benskin, Jana Johansson, Vanessa Hatje
Summary: The study found that the distribution of PFAS in the Western Tropical Atlantic Ocean varied with depth and longitude sectors. PFAS mainly existed in the form of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, and the origin of different water masses was also an important factor affecting PFAS concentrations and profiles.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Estelle Coguiec, Elizaveta A. Ershova, Malin Daase, Tobias R. Vonnahme, Owen S. Wangensteen, Rolf Gradinger, Kim Praebel, Jorgen Berge
Summary: The study revealed significant seasonal changes in mesozooplankton community structure in a sub-Arctic fjord, dominated by small copepods with a diverse group of meroplankton, particularly within the phylum polychaeta. The seasons were characterized by distinct periods of low abundance and biomass, presence of specific species, and fluctuations in copepod diversity and abundance. Traditional community analysis and DNA metabarcoding showed complementary results in the seasonal dynamics of zooplankton communities.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Ashrenee Govender, Sohana Singh, Johan Groeneveld, Sureshnee Pillay, Sandi Willows-Munro
Summary: Metabarcoding is a fast-developing field used to determine the species composition and diversity of marine zooplankton communities, but standardization of methods is still incomplete. The choice of genetic markers and primers is crucial for influencing species detection rates and accuracy. Taxon-specific mini-barcode primers have been developed to enhance species detection rates and accuracy in this study.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Lavanya Singh, James E. San, Houriiyah Tegally, Pius M. Brzoska, Ugochukwu J. Anyaneji, Eduan Wilkinson, Lindsay Clark, Jennifer Giandhari, Sureshnee Pillay, Richard J. Lessells, Darren Patrick Martin, Manohar Furtado, Anmol M. Kiran, Tulio de Oliveira
Summary: This study presents a method to improve the quality of whole-genome assemblies using Sanger sequencing. By amplifying key genomic regions with custom primers and sequencing them using a Sanger sequencing wet-laboratory protocol, the authors were able to obtain high-quality consensus sequences. The method was successful in confirming key mutations in the spike (S) protein in a high percentage of samples.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Ndivhuwo Shivambu, Tinyiko C. Shivambu, Colleen T. Downs, Sandi Willows-Munro
Summary: This study assessed the taxonomy and genetic diversity of 149 rodents sold in pet shops across South Africa using mitochondrial gene regions. The findings revealed that non-native species are widely distributed in the South African pet trade industry, while the trade of native species is regulated.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dineshen Singh, Daniella Egli, Sandi Willows-Munro, Ben Gooden, Terence Olckers
Summary: This study assessed the host ranges of two candidate control agents for the invasive fireweed, Senecio madagascariensis, using DNA barcoding. The results indicate that the weevil Gasteroclisus tricostalis and moth Metamesia elegans have restricted host ranges and further quarantine studies are needed to demonstrate their suitability for release.
BIOCONTROL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nokwanda Mkhize, Daniella Egli, Sandi Willows -Munro, Ben Gooden, Terence Olckers
Summary: Senecio madagascariensis (fireweed) is a problematic plant species in Australia and Hawaii. A study was conducted in South Africa to investigate the abundance of insects that bore into its capitula and the host-plant affinities of the associates. The study found that the capitulum-boring insects were mostly Coleoptera, with lower numbers of Lepidoptera and Diptera. The host-range study revealed 14 lepidopteran taxa on 13 different Senecio species, suggesting potential issues with using these insects as biocontrol agents in countries with a diverse Senecio flora.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ashrenee Govender, Sean T. Fennessy, Sean N. Porter, Johan C. Groeneveld
Summary: Drifting fish eggs and larvae can be identified to species using DNA metabarcoding, allowing for high taxonomic resolution in post hoc community analyses. A study of ichthyoplankton distribution along the East coast of South Africa revealed 67 fish species, with notable variations in community composition based on latitude and distance to coast and shelf edge. The study also identified a spawning area in the sheltered KwaZulu-Natal Bight and the influence of the Agulhas Current on the abundance of mesopelagic species over the shelf.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sureshnee Pillay, James Emmanuel San, Derek Tshiabuila, Yeshnee J. Naidoo, Yusasha Pillay, Akhil Maharaj, Ugochukwu J. Anyaneji, Eduan Wilkinson, Houriiyah Tegally, Richard Lessells, Cheryl Baxter, Tulio de Oliveira, Jennifer Giandhari
Summary: The global pandemic has increased the demand for scalable sequencing and diagnostic methods for SARS-CoV-2. However, the cost and time-consuming preparations of sequencing libraries have limited the ability to sequence the virus. This study compared different protocols and found that a modified protocol reduced the cost and preparation time without affecting the sequencing quality, providing a lower-cost and streamlined approach for SARS-CoV-2 sequencing.
Article
Virology
Kathleen Subramoney, Nkhensani Mtileni, Jennifer Giandhari, Yeshnee Naidoo, Yajna Ramphal, Sureshnee Pillay, Upasana Ramphal, Akhil Maharaj, Derek Tshiabuila, Houriiyah Tegally, Eduan Wilkinson, Tulio de Oliveira, Burtram C. Fielding, Florette K. Treurnicht
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 lineages and variants of concern have evolved with increased transmission efficiency and immune evasion capabilities. The study analyzes the circulation of these variants in South Africa and the potential impact of low-frequency lineages on the emergence of future variants.
Biographical-Item
Ornithology
Alan T. K. Lee, Sandi Willows-Munro, David A. Ehlers Smith, Preshnee Singh
Article
Ecology
Melanie B. Streicher, Steven D. Johnson, Sandi Willows-Munro
Summary: Attached pollen grains on insects can be used to reconstruct visitation networks. The addition of fuchsin jelly does not affect the quality of DNA barcode sequences, allowing for genetic analysis within several days.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Review
Ornithology
Sascha Dueker, Sandi Willows-Munro, Michael R. Perrin, Yilma D. Abebe, Nathaniel N. D. Annorbah, Esther W. Mwangi, Ireene R. Madindou, Wondimagegnehu Tekalign, Emiliano Mori, Tiwonge Mzumara, Chris Brown, Ursula Bryson, Henry Ndithia, Tim Dodman, Henriette van der Zwan, Rencia van der Sluis, Chaona R. Phiri, Abigail Karimanzira, Rowan O. Martin
Summary: Lovebirds, a group of small colorful parrot species, are facing declining populations in sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. The lack of research attention on certain species hampers effective conservation efforts. Habitat change, trade, and hybridization are among the main threats to these birds. More targeted research is needed to understand population trends and drivers, and to support conservation efforts.
Article
Ecology
Vimbai I. Siziba, Sandi Willows-Munro
Summary: DNA metabarcoding requires reference libraries that link DNA sequences to species. However, the current DNA reference libraries for small South African mammals are incomplete, with low species coverage for certain gene regions.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)