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The American Genetic Association

@theaga.bsky.social
1.5K followers 45 following 689 posts

Society encouraging the study of comparative genetics and genomics to document, conserve, and manage organismal diversity. We publish biodiversity genetics & genomics research in Journal of Heredity. linktr.ee/theaga_org

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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Our keynote speaker, Rasmus Nielsen, is telling us about how we can use models to detect selection on quantitative traits #AGA2026
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
We are very happy to see everyone at this year’s Presidential Symposium! AGA President Michael Nachman is starting us off strong with an overview of polygenic adaptation #AGA2026
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Updating reference genomes ensures reliable evolutionary and functional analyses. Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net... #JHered 2/2
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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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Some key genomic findings for this asexual lineage include: de novo mutations, introgression, and double-strand breaks. Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding authors: singhallab.org & fujitalab.com #JHered 2/2
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Here'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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Scientists also established a genome and culture for the Japanese red fox (Vulpes vulpes japonica). Both species have lineages distinct from their continental brethren. More info here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net... #JHered 2/2
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
If 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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Here is the formal announcement from the Journal: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding authors: www.researchgate.net... & sites.google.com/vie... #JHered 2/2
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Earlier 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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
This resource can be used to further investigate species with reduced dispersal capabilities, novel areas of endemism, and high conservation value. Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: www.bondlab.org #JHered 2/2
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
We 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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Here'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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Key findings include fewer olfactory genes than their low-altitude relatives and signals of strong purifying selection. Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Please see article for corresponding author information. #JHered 2/2
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Olfactory 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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Night lizards also have an unusual life-history strategy among lizards, forming stable kin groups. Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: faculty.siu.edu/prof... #JHered 2/2
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
We 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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
This resource will greatly assist investigation of the genetic underpinnings of agamid adaptive gliding and population dynamics. Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding authors: www.researchgate.net... & www.researchgate.net... #JHered 2/2
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
New 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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
A recent genomic study reveals at least five distinct units, emphasizing the need for site-specific conservation approaches for these small, demersal sharks. Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net... #JHered 2/2
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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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
This highlights the power of genomics to unravel complex population histories and gene flow in highly mobile species. Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: nataliemallen.github... #JHered 2/2
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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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
These insights advance our understanding of sugarcane genetics, aiding molecular breeding efforts. Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding authors: sklcusa.gxu.edu.cn/E... #JHered 2/2
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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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
This resource enhances our understanding of adaptation in these resilient copepods across diverse environments worldwide. Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding authors: www.isabelleneylan.com & www.faircloth-lab.or... #JHered 2/2
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Researchers 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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
With high completeness and insights into genome stability and rearrangements, this resource paves the way for future evolutionary and conservation studies. Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: www.mn.uio.no/cees/e... #JHered #OpenAccess 2/2
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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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
This genome reveals interesting chromosome fusions and provides a vital resource for conservation and evolutionary research. Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net... #JHered 2/2
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), a key species in arid ecosystems, now has a high-quality chromosome-level genome. Photo: Elşad İbrahimov 1/2
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Conservation should consider genetic impacts of reproductive inequality! Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: fish.uw.edu/faculty-... #JHered 2/2
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
A 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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
However, recent habitat loss is beginning to increase genetic structure. A main take-home is that protecting transient habitats is crucial for maintaining connectivity! Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: faculty.lsu.edu/tayl... #JHered 2/2
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Pending Publication
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Here'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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Perfect for simulating complex population genetics scenarios across all major OS platforms! (The previous version was from 2006 💀) Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... (see article for details on the corresponding author) #JHered 2/2
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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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
A recently published genetic study reveals complex population structure and ongoing gene flow, highlighting the need for further research. Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: www.luther.edu/facul... #JHered #OpenAccess 2/2
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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
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Reposted by The American Genetic Association
Dr. K. Lotterhos @drk-lo.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Just 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.social
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The American Genetic Association
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
'Humane genomics education' is an approach to teaching genetics & genome science that improves understanding, decreases students' acceptance of non-scientific notions of genetic essentialism, and reduces racial bias. See www.science.org/doi/... 4/4
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
The HGE is a pilot program from the AGA to support educational activities and initiatives at the high school or undergraduate level that promote understanding of human genetics and genomics. Full details here: www.theaga.org/hge-a... 3/4
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
The RCE is a pilot program from the AGA to support the relational work that enables responsible science and development of trust in the broader scientific enterprise. Full details here: www.theaga.org/rce-a... 2/4
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Important Reminder: The application deadline for our Research Community Engagement (RCE) and Humane Genomics Education (HGE) awards was extended to August 31st!! 1/4
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
More information about the AGA's SEA and other awards can be found here: www.theaga.org 3/3
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The symposium brought together 281 students, postdoctoral researchers, staff scientists, and faculty from across Kansas and neighboring states to share research spanning genomics, genetics, evolution, ecology, development, and biomedicine. Post here: blog.theaga.org/sea2... 2/3
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Read 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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Results suggest mountain-driven river barriers, ploidy variation, and reproductive shifts shaped the evolution of this alpine herb. Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net... Photo: peganum #JHered 2/2
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
This 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
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The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher... Corresponding author: www.mn.uio.no/cees/e... #JHered 2/2
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