The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 30/09/2026🧬 High-quality genome assemblies are vital for accurate biological insights. A recent study highlights the importance of integrating cytogenetics with genome data, revealing potential misassemblies even in high-contiguity genomes. Image of karyotypes from the manuscript 1/2 142
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Here's a recent article delving into the evolutionary origins of parthenogenesis in the whiptail lizard Aspidoscelis tesselatus! The species appears to originate from a hybridization event <500,000 years ago. Photo: Vicente Mata-Silva 1/2 111
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 27/09/2026If you love the Studio Ghibli film Pom Poko (like our social media editor...) you may be excited to hear that there is a new tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog, Nyctereutes viverrinus) genome (and cell culture)! Image from Iconographia Zoologica 1/2 120
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Earlier this year the AGA SEA supported a conservation genetics workshop in Madagascar (see blog.theaga.org/sea2...). Madagascar is an incredible biodiversity hotspot where almost all species are endemic. Photo from the workshop/blog 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 25/09/2026We have a genome from the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP), this time for the Californian trapdoor spider Aptostichus stephencolberti! Photo by Jason Bond 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Here's another new genome, this time for the Hawaiian swordtail cricket Laupala kohalensis! This resource reveals insights into rapid speciation driven by sexual selection. Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: nicholaihensley.weeb... #JHered 010
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Olfactory genes serve as important sources of environmental adaptation for vertebrates. Recently published work in the cyprinid fish Schizopygopsis younghusbandi examined their evolution and adaptation.  Photo: Hou Tangbin 1/2 142
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 22/09/2026We have another reptile genome recently published, this time for the desert night lizard Xantusia vigilis! This family of lizards is really unique, containing the only squamate species that form diploid, unisexual, parthenogenic lineages. Figure from the paper 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 21/09/2026New in our Genome Resources: the first nuclear genome for flying dragons (Agamidae), specifically the spotted flying dragon Draco maculatus!  (Photo credit in image) 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 07/09/2026🦈 The California horn shark (Heterodontus francisci) shows notable population structure influenced by deep-water channels and geographic distance. Photo by Cymothoa exigua 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 07/09/2026🧬 Whole-genome analyses reveal that Western North Pacific gray whales exhibit higher genetic diversity than expected, with evidence of mixed ancestry from both eastern and western stocks. Photo: José Eugenio Gómez Rodríguez 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 05/09/2026🌱 A detailed chromosomal map of sugarcane cultivar CT89–103 reveals complex polyploid inheritance, structural variation, and translocation patterns stemming from Saccharum spontaneum and Saccharum officinarum. Figure from the manuscript 1/2 110
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 04/09/2026Researchers have assembled a high-quality genome for a likely new (!!!) Tigriopus species (Tigriopus aff. angulatus) from central Chile, revealing significant divergence and unique morphology. Icon by Phạm Thanh Lộc from Noun Project (CC BY 3.0) 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 03/09/2026🦐 Introducing the first chromosome-level reference genome for Lepidurus arcticus, a remarkable "living fossil" freshwater crustacean with circumpolar distribution! Photo: Per Harald Olsen 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 02/09/2026The goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), a key species in arid ecosystems, now has a high-quality chromosome-level genome. Photo: Elşad İbrahimov 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 01/09/2026A new study featuring genetic analyses of American Standardbred horses reveals extreme male reproductive skew, with some studs siring over 20% of foals. This results in a very low effective population size (Ne), risking genetic diversity despite large population sizes. Photo: Markus Kauppinen 1/2 110
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 01/09/2026Here's a new study on Bachman’s Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis) revealing that habitat ephemerality fosters high vagility (the ability of an organism to move throughout its environment), leading to gene flow and panmixia across its range. Photo: ntitelbaum, iNaturalist 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 31/08/2026 🚀 If you are looking to simulate some population genetics, a new publication outlines the updated EASYPOP v3.1! Features include easier setup, configuration files, genotype outputs for temporal studies, and an R package (easypopr) for automated workflows and visualization. 1/2 110
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 29/08/2026🐺 Concerns over declining Midwest gray fox populations have sparked a petition to list the prairie subspecies (Urocyon cinereoargenteus ocythous) under the US Endangered Species Act. Photo: VJ Anderson 1/2 100
Reposted by The American Genetic AssociationDr. K. Lotterhos @drk-lo.bsky.social · 24/08/2026Just a reminder that Researcher Community Engagement Awards from the American Genetics Association are due August 31! www.theaga.org/rce-awards-f.... Support activities that fall outside typical research funding, ie extended stays, cultural participation, gift-giving, etc. @theaga.bsky.socialtheaga.orgThe American Genetic Association 001
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 01/08/2026Important Reminder: The application deadline for our Research Community Engagement (RCE) and Humane Genomics Education (HGE) awards was extended to August 31st!! 1/4 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 31/07/2026Read about a recent event supported in part by a Special Event Award (SEA) from the AGA! The University of Kansas Center for Genomics (KUCG) held its 5th Annual Research Symposium on May 8, 2026, at the Jayhawk Welcome Center, in Lawrence, Kansas. 1/3 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 30/07/2026This recently-accepted study shows that mountain uplift and river formation in SW China drove divergence in Allium macranthum. Researchers found deep genetic splits aligned with geographic regions, high ploidy diversity, and divergence dating to 6.7–1.9 Ma, coinciding with mountain uplift. 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 29/07/2026New work from the Earth Biogenome Project Norway: A high-quality genome of female bluethroat (Luscinia s. svecica) reveals detailed MHC regions and structural variations. This resource advances our understanding of avian genetics and immune diversity. Photo: gardenbird.co.uk 1/2 110
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 28/07/2026A recent study uses causal graphs & structural equation modeling to show how river features influence genetic differentiation. Their findings reveal that river width impacts gene flow differently for high and low dispersers, with wider rivers posing a greater barrier to high dispersers. 1/2 110
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 27/07/2026Did you know that some pygmy perches retain juvenile traits & small sizes due to paedomorphic miniaturization? New high-quality genomes for two of these species reveal insights into their evolution and will aid conservation efforts. Photo: Michael Hammer 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 13/07/2026A recently accepted Genome Resource features a high-quality reference genome for the rice stink bug (Oebalus pugnax), a major pest threatening rice production in the U.S.!  Photo: www.ricefarming.com 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 11/07/2026New research in conservation biobanking shows blood-derived endothelial progenitor cells and pericytes are faster, safer, and more efficient alternatives to skin fibroblasts for conserving endangered canids. (Image from the manuscript) 1/2 142
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 10/07/2026In Australia's Murray–Darling Basin, small and isolated freshwater populations like the southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis) face low genetic diversity and high climate vulnerability, especially upland. Photo: David Paul/Museums Victoria 1/2 110
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 09/07/2026Here are high-quality genome assemblies for the hybridizing field crickets Gryllus pennsylvanicus and Gryllus firmus, key models in speciation research! Each assembly is to chromosome scale, with nearly complete genomes. The authors also identify a major inversion on the X chromosome. 1/2 145
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 08/07/2026We have another recently published genome to share: a high-quality genome of the transverse lady beetle (Coccinella transversoguttata), a key aphid predator and declining biocontrol agent. Photo: Jesse Rorabaugh 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 07/07/2026A new chromosome-level genome for Atlantic threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) was recently accepted! This high-quality assembly captures key regions like Pitx1/PeLa (underpinning repeated loss of the pelvic girdle and spines), enhancing studies on adaptation and ancient DNA. 1/2 161
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 06/07/2026Here's a new genomics resource for the spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), a species at risk due to habitat loss and poaching. This assembly offers detailed insights into spotted turtle genetics, aiding conservation efforts to protect and restore this unique species.  1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 13/06/2026Registration is open for the #AGA2026 Presidential Symposium! Talks/Poster abstracts are due by September 1st. Here are more details and a list of the invited speakers: blog.theaga.org/aga-... 000
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 13/06/2026Come join us at #AGA2026 in beautiful Granlibakken! This year's theme is "Polygenic Adaptation in a Changing World." In addition to our lineup of amazing speakers invited by our current President Michael Nachman (www.nachmanlab.org/) we have room for a limited number of additional talks. 1/2 130
Reposted by The American Genetic AssociationCharles Perrier @charles-perrier.bsky.social · 11/06/2026Pine Processionary Moth chromosome-level #genome Assembly by @mgda76.bsky.social, @prrnhd.bsky.social et al. in Journal of Heredity @theaga.bsky.social. 615.9 Mb 50 pseudochromosomes 12,898 annotated genes @cbgpmontpellier.bsky.social academic.oup.com/jhered/artic... 064
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 09/06/2026Check this out! A recently accepted article explores the genetic basis of pelvic fin loss in the snakehead (Channa asiatica). Findings include key mutations and structural variations, including changes in tbx4 and pax7a genes, as well as regulatory element loss. Photo: aquainfo.nl 1/2 141
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 09/06/2026🕊️ Exciting breakthrough: for the first time, scientists successfully derived and cultured primordial germ cells (PGCs) from the common pigeon (Columba livia)! This advances reproductive tech for avian conservation, enabling germline manipulation and biobanking in pigeons and related species. 1/2 141
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 09/06/2026🕊️ Exciting breakthrough: for the first time, scientists successfully derived and cultured primordial germ cells (PGCs) from the common pigeon (Columba livia)! This advances reproductive tech for avian conservation, enabling germline manipulation and biobanking in pigeons and related species. 1/2 010
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 07/06/2026🐟 The speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus), a widespread freshwater fish in western North America, faces conservation challenges for several imperiled taxa. A new genome assembly provides a vital tool for insights into its evolution and resilience. Photo: Roger Tabor (USFWS) 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 06/06/2026🌿 While animal de-extinction gains attention, plants face similar threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human impacts—often with limited natural dispersal options. Advances in genomics and CRISPR open new possibilities for plant de-extinction, especially using herbarium DNA. 1/2 131
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 05/06/2026Old goats, new insights!! 🐐 Native goat breeds like the UK’s Cheviot hold vital genetic diversity for future resilience. This study reveals their unique, primitive lineage with high inbreeding and limited admixture. Photo: PA Media 1/2 151
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 04/06/2026🌊 Despite gene flow, Atlantic cod ecotypes in Skagerrak maintain distinct life-history traits. This new study shows salinity-driven differences in egg buoyancy between Fjord and North Sea ecotypes, linked to environmental adaptation. Photo: Erling Svensen 1/2 110
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 03/06/2026🌱🌍 Here's an Invited Review/Perspective about the new frontier of conservation and restoration's evolution beyond traditional methods: biotechnology. Genetic rescue, gene editing, and synthetic biology hold promise for tackling biodiversity loss, but pose ethical and ecological challenges. 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 02/06/2026🦎 A recent genomic study reveals hybridization and gene flow are key to the complex population structure of the Japanese fire-bellied newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster. ddRAD-seq shows three main groups with hybrid zones, shaped by divergence and historical gene flow. Photo: © Jessica Miller 1/2 2423
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 02/06/2026Exciting discovery in sacoglossan sea slugs, which can sequester functional chloroplasts into digestive cells! Researchers recently assembled a high-quality, chromosome-level genome of Elysia atroviridis. Phylogeny suggests divergence ~33 Mya. Photo: en.seaslug.world/@no... 1/2 112
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 20/05/2026Friendly reminder that Registration is now open for #AGA2026! We are returning to the beautiful Granlibakken Resort near Lake Tahoe, and have an amazing lineup of speakers. More information here: www.theaga.org/agatw... 020
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 17/05/2026We are excited to announce our 2026 winners of the Special Event Award! Full details here: blog.theaga.org/spec... 001
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 16/05/2026Researchers have assembled a near chromosome-level genome for the pine sawfly, Diprion pini—a major pest across Europe and Asia. Photo: © entomart 1/2 100
The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 15/05/2026🚀 Protecting Earth's biodiversity for future generations, a Lunar Biorepository at the Moon’s south pole is proposed to store cryopreserved animal fibroblast samples. These could aid ecosystem revival, genetic rescue, and space exploration. Drawing: Johann August Ephraim Goeze (1773) 1/2 101