Dear MARMAM community, on behalf of the authors, I would like to announce the publication of our new paper on the use of the LAMP assay for the rapid detection of grey seal DNA in porpoise carcasses potentially predated by grey seals. Teresa Heers, Abbo van Neer, André Becker, Stephanie Gross, Kirstin Anderson Hansen, Ursula Siebert, Amir Abdulmawjood. (2018) Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as a confirmatory and rapid DNA detection method for grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) predation on harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Journal of Sea Research, Vol. 140, Pages 32-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2018.07.008 Abstract: An increasing number of harbour porpoises along the coastlines of northern Europe are victims of attacks by preying grey seals. To confirm grey seal attacks at a molecular level, a fast loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method was developed, based on the amplification of the cytochrome b target gene. With this method, saliva residues within bite marks, presumably originating from grey seal attacks, can be detected on-site, using a swab-based method in combination with a portable real-time fluorometer (Genie® II). The developed LAMP assay included an internal amplification control and was validated for the sensitivity, specificity, limit of detection and a spiking experiment was performed with saliva samples from two grey seals. Finally, three stranded harbour porpoises, with injury patterns presumably originating from grey seal attacks, were analysed. Grey seal DNA was successfully determined in a bite mark of one harbour porpoise with the LAMP method. For direct on-site molecular biological investigations without the opportunity to perform more time-consuming and equipment intensive PCR investigations, the developed rapid LAMP assay offers the possibility to confirm that injuries, probably caused by a grey seal, indeed resulted from a grey seal attack. Follow the link below for a copy of this paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385110118300868 If you have problems downloading the publication, please feel free to get in touch with us. All the best on behalf of all authors Abbo van Neer ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Abbo van Neer University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) Werftstr. 6 25761 Büsum Germany ☏ +49 5 11 - 8 56 - 81 62 Fax: +49 5 11 - 8 56 - 81 81 abbo.van.neer@tiho-hannover.de<mailto:abbo.van.neer@tiho-hannover.de> http://www.tiho-hannover.de/en/clinics-institutes/institutes/institute-for-t... SAVE FORESTS - Please do not print this e-mail unless absolutely necessary