The science
behind our work
Featured in Top International Journals
Our academic group at the University Pompeu Fabra is one of the major contributors of primate genomics with solid science and major peer-reviewed publications. We contributed many papers in general great ape variation (Prado et al., Nature 2023), applications to ex-situ population (Frandsen et al., Heridity 2020), evolutionary analyses on ancient chimpanzee -bonobo hybridizations (de Manuel et al., Science 2016 ), introgression with ghost populations ( Pawar et al., Nature and ecology evolution 2023) and our work on small scale population structure and geolocalization of confiscated samples (Fontserè et al., Molecular Ecology Resources 2020) based on many years of technological development (Hernandez-Rodriguez et al., Molecular Ecology Resources 2018; White et al., Molecular Ecology Resources 2019). On top of that, in 2023 we published a special issue in Science, where we led the genomic sequencing of over 50% of the world’s primate species — a milestone in evolutionary and conservation research.
“Leading advances in non-invasive DNA recovery to fight wildlife trafficking and strengthen conservation genetics”
LINES OF RESEARCH
This section presents the main research lines of the lab, focused on comparative genomics of primates and humans, as well as applications in species conservation and biomedicine.
Research & Impact
Research & Impact
1. Primate genetic variation in the context of human evolution and conservation biology
Studying genetic variation in primates to better understand species evolution and its application in conservation.
2. Comparative gene regulation in humans and primates
Analyzing gene regulation (DNA methylation) to uncover evolutionary differences between humans and other primates.
3. Paleoproteomics
Investigating ancient proteins from archaeological and paleontological remains to reveal evolutionary relationships and biological traits from the past.
4. Primate Conservation: Genetic Monitoring of captive populations
Developing genomic tools to trace the origin of confiscated great apes and wildlife forensics to study the routes of illegal trafficking.
5. Biodiversity Monitoring: eDNA
Using environmental DNA (from water, soil, air) as a non-invasive method to monitor biodiversity and support conservation decisions.
6. Cryozoo: A biobank for biomedicine and conservation
A biobank at the Barcelona Zoo preserving cell lines from endangered species, enabling research in both biomedicine and conservation.
EXPLORING NEW METHODOLOGIES: SNP-Amplicon sequencing
GT-seq: ADVANCED BIODIVERSITY MONITORING
Advance tomorrow’s infrastructure while preserving our shared biodiversity heritage
Our consultancy leverages cutting-edge, non-invasive genetic tools to detect and monitor chimpanzee populations, supporting infrastructure and conservation initiatives in meeting rigorous biodiversity and environmental compliance benchmarks.
