In this episode of Talking Techniques, we head to the Ecuadorian rainforest to chat about the use of sequencing in conservation with Zane Libke, a field researcher based at Sumak Kawsay In Situ (Pastaza, Ecuador). Zane discusses how he turned his fascination with nature into a career, his current work using nanopore sequencing technologies to find undescribed species and helping train future field researchers.

We also explore the benefits of fighting biodiversity in a more local-centric way and using research to protect the area from exploitative companies.

Contents

·        Intro: 00:00–01:35

·        Zane’s work at Sumak Kawsay In Situ: 01:35–05:05

·        Turning a fascination with nature into a career: 05:05–08:20

·        The importance of sequencing for conservation: 08:20–12:25

·        Technologies being used to sequence in the field: 12:25–14:15

·        Portable nanopore sequencing with the MinION: 13:15–15:35

·        Exporting samples means exporting opportunity: 15:35–18:40

·        The sequencing workflow: 17:40–24:50

·        Data processing: 24:50–27:45

·        Using these technologies to find undescribed species: 27:45–32:20

·        Fighting biodiversity loss in a more local-centric way: 32:20–34:55

·        Using research to protect the area from exploitation: 34:55–38:50

·        What the future holds: 38:50–43:22