Dear MARMAM colleagues, My co-authors and I are excited to share with you our latest publication, which is also the first chapter of my PhD: Genty, G., Sandoval-Castillo, J., Beheregaray, L. B., & Möller, L. M. (2024). Into the Blue: Exploring Genetic Mechanisms Behind the Evolution of Baleen Whales. Gene, 148822, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2024.148822 In this study, we used previously published whole-genome data from baleen whales and other cetaceans to investigate genes under positive selection. Our findings reveal numerous idiosyncratic and convergent genomic variations within baleen whales, particularly in genes associated with aging, survival, and homeostasis. We also discuss species-specific adaptations in blue, fin, humpback, and gray whales, highlighting, for example, the importance of immunity-related genes in blue and fin whales. These genetic adaptations may have played a key role in their morphological evolution, enabling these species to attain their remarkable size and adapt to diverse environments and diets. We hope this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the genomic basis behind the diversification of baleen whales and the broader adaptive radiation of cetaceans. Thank you for reading, and please feel free to share it. Gabrielle Genty ··························· PhD Candidate MSc Marine Mammals Science, St. Andrews University BSc Biology, Universidad de los Andes Pronouns: she/her Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL <https://www.cebel.org.au/our-team>) Molecular Ecology Lab (MELFU <https://molecularecology.flinders.edu.au/molecular-ecology-lab/people/phd-students/gabrielle-genty/>) College of Science & Engineering Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia 5042 GPO Box 2100 Adelaide SA 5001 M: +61 8 8201 3865 I E: gabrielle.genty@flinders.edu.au I Twitter: gabrielle_genty <https://twitter.com/gabrielle_genty> I MELFU Lab: Profile page <https://molecularecology.flinders.edu.au/molecular-ecology-lab/people/phd-students/gabrielle-genty/> I CEBEL Lab: Profile page <https://www.cebel.org.au/our-team> I  CRICOS No: 00114A This email and any attachments may be confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please inform the sender by reply email and delete all copies of this message.
