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Cathy Richter, PhD

Dr. Cathy Richter is a Research Molecular Biologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.

Science and Products

Scientist taking an environmental DNA sample

Advanced molecular tools for detection and monitoring of invasive carp

Environmental DNA (eDNA) and related molecular methods are important tools for helping to detect and monitor invasive carp presence in the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins. The use of eDNA has become a common method for detecting presence of invasive carp in areas of low density and uncertain presence. Furthermore, eDNA can be used to identify activities such as spawning. However, an eDNA...
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Advanced molecular tools for detection and monitoring of invasive carp

Advanced molecular tools for detection and monitoring of invasive carp

Environmental DNA (eDNA) and related molecular methods are important tools for helping to detect and monitor invasive carp presence in the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins. The use of eDNA has become a common method for detecting presence of invasive carp in areas of low density and uncertain presence. Furthermore, eDNA can be used to identify activities such as spawning. However, an eDNA...
Learn More
A U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service electrofishing boat with a boat operator and two netters is shown under a bridge on the Fox River with many silver carp jumping out of the water in front of them.

Synthetic Biology Tools for Controlling Invasive Carps

We aim to develop control tools for eliminating invasive carps (silver carp – Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, bighead carp – H. nobilis, grass carp – Ctenopharyngodon idella, and black carp – Mylopharyngodon piceus) that use natural gene regulation mechanisms (RNA-induced gene silencing; RNA interference; RNAi) to be species-specific without non-target effects. Invasive carps cause substantial...
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Synthetic Biology Tools for Controlling Invasive Carps

Synthetic Biology Tools for Controlling Invasive Carps

We aim to develop control tools for eliminating invasive carps (silver carp – Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, bighead carp – H. nobilis, grass carp – Ctenopharyngodon idella, and black carp – Mylopharyngodon piceus) that use natural gene regulation mechanisms (RNA-induced gene silencing; RNA interference; RNAi) to be species-specific without non-target effects. Invasive carps cause substantial...
Learn More
CERC researchers collecting eDNA

Molecular Section: eDNA Research

Environmental DNA (eDNA) research at CERC focuses on the development and utility of eDNA tools as well as interpretation of eDNA data in real-world management applications. We work with academic, state, federal and international partners in developing standards and best practices for eDNA technology and exploring the factors that affect eDNA detection in the field. Our lab's eDNA research covers...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
Molecular Section: eDNA Research

Molecular Section: eDNA Research

Environmental DNA (eDNA) research at CERC focuses on the development and utility of eDNA tools as well as interpretation of eDNA data in real-world management applications. We work with academic, state, federal and international partners in developing standards and best practices for eDNA technology and exploring the factors that affect eDNA detection in the field. Our lab's eDNA research covers...
Learn More
CERC flow-through diluter fish system

Effects of Early Life Stage Exposure of Largemouth Bass to Atrazine or a Model Estrogen (17α-Ethinylestradiol)

Early development is a sensitive window for estrogenic endocrine disruption in largemouth bass. Atrazine treatments caused changes to gene expression patterns that were both similar to estrogen and distinct from estrogen.
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Columbia Environmental Research Center
Effects of Early Life Stage Exposure of Largemouth Bass to Atrazine or a Model Estrogen (17α-Ethinylestradiol)

Effects of Early Life Stage Exposure of Largemouth Bass to Atrazine or a Model Estrogen (17α-Ethinylestradiol)

Early development is a sensitive window for estrogenic endocrine disruption in largemouth bass. Atrazine treatments caused changes to gene expression patterns that were both similar to estrogen and distinct from estrogen.
Learn More
CERC researchers collecting eDNA

Threatened, Endangered or Rare Species Detection

The non-invasive nature of eDNA methods for species detection is a great advantage for monitoring of rare, threatened, or endangered species.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
Threatened, Endangered or Rare Species Detection

Threatened, Endangered or Rare Species Detection

The non-invasive nature of eDNA methods for species detection is a great advantage for monitoring of rare, threatened, or endangered species.
Learn More
Flat Creek in Missouri

Searching for Shiners in Missouri

Researchers from the University of Central Missouri (UCM), in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC), implement environmental DNA (eDNA) methods to identify and manage Topeka Shiner populations in Missouri.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
Searching for Shiners in Missouri

Searching for Shiners in Missouri

Researchers from the University of Central Missouri (UCM), in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC), implement environmental DNA (eDNA) methods to identify and manage Topeka Shiner populations in Missouri.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 25

Method comparison for the detection of environmental DNA from three species of unionid mussels in a mesocosm Method comparison for the detection of environmental DNA from three species of unionid mussels in a mesocosm

Data describe a mesocosm study for the detection of mucket (Ortmanniana ligamentina), fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea), and giant floater (Pyganodon grandis) freshwater mussel environmental DNA (eDNA). Water samples were collected on two different days in September of 2022 from a CERC pond containing O. ligamentina, L. siliquoidea, and P. grandis then analyzed for the presence of eDNA...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

Detection of Ortmanniana ligamentina male mitotype DNA from a mesocosm during a natural spawning event Detection of Ortmanniana ligamentina male mitotype DNA from a mesocosm during a natural spawning event

Data describe a mesocosm study for the detection of Mucket (Ortmanniana ligamentina) female and male mitotype environmental DNA (eDNA) during a spawning event. Water samples (approximately 1L) were collected every Monday and Thursday for 4 weeks during August 2021 from a pond located at Columbia Environmental Research Center containing O. ligamentina and analyzed for the presence of sex...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

eDNA shedding rates for juvenile and subadult black carp fed a commercial diet or a Corbicula mussel diet in a laboratory setting eDNA shedding rates for juvenile and subadult black carp fed a commercial diet or a Corbicula mussel diet in a laboratory setting

Data describe designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiments for the estimation of eDNA shedding rates for subadult and juvenile black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) at different biomass densities and fed different quantities of food from water samples collected in the laboratory. Parameters described include descriptions of laboratory collected water samples that were tested to estimate
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

Detection of Cumberlandia monodonta male mitotype eDNA from an outdoor raceway tank during a spawning event Detection of Cumberlandia monodonta male mitotype eDNA from an outdoor raceway tank during a spawning event

Data describe the detection of Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) female and male mitotype environmental DNA (eDNA) during a spawning event. Water samples (approximately 1L) were collected from an outdoor raceway tank containing C. monodonta from March to April 2021 and analyzed for the presence of sex-specific eDNA. Parameters described in this data release include water quality...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

Transcriptomics in Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) Transcriptomics in Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus)

Invasive carp (silver carp, bighead carp, grass carp, and black carp) are a highly impactful species with high fecundities, and they are currently expanding their ranges throughout the Central United States. These four species are known to avoid the conventional gear used to capture native fish species, and traditional removal methods are highly inefficient at capturing fish when at low...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

Detection of exogenous lake trout and endogenous spectaclecase DNA in the Big Piney River from an experimental release of lake trout slurry to study eDNA transport, September 2023 (ver.1.1, May 2025) Detection of exogenous lake trout and endogenous spectaclecase DNA in the Big Piney River from an experimental release of lake trout slurry to study eDNA transport, September 2023 (ver.1.1, May 2025)

This dataset includes eDNA concentrations of water samples from an experimental release of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) slurry used to analyze eDNA transport in the Big Piney River, Missouri. The spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) was also included as a target species due to the proximity of a known spectaclecase population at the slurry release site. The slurry, a frozen block...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
Filter Total Items: 49

Spatial distribution and relative biomass of bigheaded carps in Lake Balaton, Hungary estimated from an environmental DNA survey Spatial distribution and relative biomass of bigheaded carps in Lake Balaton, Hungary estimated from an environmental DNA survey

Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), bighead carp (H. molitrix) and their hybrids, collectively known as bigheaded carps, have been introduced to Lake Balaton, Hungary. The current stock sizes are difficult to assess. We investigated environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques targeted for bigheaded carps, assessed the spatial distribution of eDNA in Lake Balaton, compared eDNA...
Authors
Nora Boross, Ardo Laszlo, Duane C. Chapman, Gergely Boros, Zoltán Vitál, Viktor Tóth, Nathan Thompson, Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Widespread thiamine deficiency in California salmon linked to an anchovy-dominated marine prey base Widespread thiamine deficiency in California salmon linked to an anchovy-dominated marine prey base

Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency in marine systems is a globally significant threat to marine life. In 2020, newly hatched Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) fry in California’s Central Valley (CCV) hatcheries swam in corkscrew patterns and died at unusually high rates due to a lack of this essential vitamin. We subsequently investigated the impacts and causes of thiamine...
Authors
Nate Mantua, Heather M. Bell, Anne E. Todgham, Miles E. Daniels, Jacques Rinchard, Jarrod R. Ludwig, John Field, Steven T Lindley, Freya Elizabeth Rowland, Catherine A. Richter, David Walters, Bruce P. Finney, Anne R. Distajo Haskell, Donald Tillitt, Dale C. Honeyfield, Taylor N. Lipscomb, Kevin Kwak, Jason Kindopp, Dennis E. Cocherell, Abigail Ward, Thomas H. Williams, Jeff Harding, Nann A. Fangue, Carson Jeffres, Rocio Iliana Ruiz-Cooley, Steven Litvin, Scott Foott, Mark Adkison, Brett Kormos, Peggy Harte, Frederick S. Colwell, Christopher P. Suffridge, Kelly Shannon, Amanda Cranford, Charlotte Ambrose, Aimee N. Reed, Rachel C. Johnson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Detection and transport of environmental DNA from two federally endangered mussels Detection and transport of environmental DNA from two federally endangered mussels

Environmental DNA (eDNA) offers a novel approach to supplement traditional surveys and provide increased spatial and temporal information on species detection, and it can be especially beneficial for detecting at risk or threatened species with minimal impact on the target species. The transport of eDNA in lotic environments is an important component in providing more informed...
Authors
Brandon James Sansom, Dannise Vannesa Ruiz-Ramos, Nathan Thompson, Maura O Roberts, Zachary Taylor, Katie Ortiz, Jess W. Jones, Catherine A. Richter, Katy E. Klymus
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Silver Chub spawning confirmed in the Maumee River, a tributary of Lake Erie Silver Chub spawning confirmed in the Maumee River, a tributary of Lake Erie

Objective Biodiversity is declining due to invasive species and other factors that can affect individual species differently. Silver Chub Macrhybopsis storeriana are declining in their native range, and their conservation status in the Great Lakes ranges from secure to possibly extirpated. Lake Erie once supported a large Silver Chub population until it crashed in the 1950s. Additionally...
Authors
Ryan E. Brown, Christine M. Mayer, Nathan Thompson, Corbin David Hilling, James Roberts, Catherine A. Richter
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Great Lakes Science Center

Zebra and Quagga mussels in the United States—Dreissenid mussel research by the U.S. Geological Survey Zebra and Quagga mussels in the United States—Dreissenid mussel research by the U.S. Geological Survey

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) delivers high-quality data, technologies, and decision-support tools to help managers both reduce existing populations and control the spread of dreissenid mussels. The USGS researches ecology, biology, risk assessment, and early detection and rapid response methods; provides decision support; and develops and tests control measures.
Authors
Cayla R. Morningstar, Patrick M. Kocovsky, Michael E. Colvin, Timothy D. Counihan, Wesley M. Daniel, Peter C. Esselman, Cathy A. Richter, Adam Sepulveda, Diane L. Waller
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Great Lakes Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Environmental DNA dynamics of three species of unionid freshwater mussels Environmental DNA dynamics of three species of unionid freshwater mussels

North American freshwater mussels are of special conservation concern due to their high endemism and the multiple anthropogenic stressors affecting them. Of the over 300 species in North America, nearly one third of these species are federally listed as threatened or endangered. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has been successful in detecting freshwater mussels and could aid in...
Authors
Dannise Ruiz-Ramos, Nathan Thompson, Catherine A. Richter, Megan C. Voshage, Theresa M. Schreier, Christopher M. Merkes, Katy E. Klymus
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Taylor, J.A., Richter, C.A., Suzuki, A., Watanabe, H., Iguchi, T., Coser, K.R., Shioda, T., and vom Saal, F.S., 2012, Dose-related estrogen effects on gene expression in fetal mouse prostate mesenchymal cells: PLOS ONE, v. 7, no. 10, p. e48311
Taylor, J.A., Richter, C.A., Ruhlen, R.L., and vom Saal, F.S., 2011, Estrogenic environmental chemicals and drugs: Mechanisms for effects on the developing male urogenital system: The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, v. 127, no. 1, p. 83-95
Richter, C.A., Taylor, J.A., Ruhlen, R.L., Welshons, W.V., and vom Saal, F.S., 2007, Estradiol and Bisphenol A stimulate androgen receptor and estrogen receptor gene expression in fetal mouse prostate mesenchyme cells: Environmental Health Perspectives, v. 115, no. 6, p. 902-908
vom Saal, F.S., Richter, C.A., Mao, J., and Welshons, W.V., 2005, Commercial animal feed: Variability in estrogenic activity and effects on body weight in mice: Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology, v. 73, no. 7, p. 474-475
Timms, B.G., Howdeshell, K.L., Barton, L., Bradley, S., Richter, C.A., and vom Saal, F.S., 2005, Estrogenic chemicals in plastic and oral contraceptives disrupt development of the fetal mouse prostate and urethra: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, v. 102, no. 19, p. 7014-7019
Richter, C., Timms, B., and vom Saal, F., 2005, Prostate development: mechanisms for opposite effects of low and high doses of estrogenic chemicals, in Naz, R., ed., Endocrine Disruptors: Effects on Male and Female Reproductive Systems: New York, CRC Press, p. 379-410.
vom Saal, F.S., Richter, C.A., Ruhlen, R.R., Nagel, S.C., Timms, B.G., and Welshons, W.V., 2005, The importance of appropriate controls, animal feed, and animal models in interpreting results from low-dose studies of bisphenol A: Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology, v. 73, no. 3, p. 140-145
vom Saal, F.S., Richter, C.A., Ruhlen, R.R., Nagel, S.C., and Welshons, W.V., 2004, Disruption of laboratory experiments due to leaching of Bisphenol A from polycarbonate cages and bottles and uncontrolled variability in components of animal feed, in National Research Council, ed., The Development of Science-based Guidelines for Laboratory Animal Care: Proceedings of the November 2003 International Workshop: The National Academies Press, p. 65-69.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Spiked qPCR primary analysis Spiked qPCR primary analysis

This script is for analyzing raw eDNA qPCR data. It is designed to efficiently concatenate qPCR data from multiple plates exported as *.csv files. It will assist with completing several QA/QC checks and output documentation of these checks as well as helpful files for further review.
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Science and Products

Scientist taking an environmental DNA sample

Advanced molecular tools for detection and monitoring of invasive carp

Environmental DNA (eDNA) and related molecular methods are important tools for helping to detect and monitor invasive carp presence in the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins. The use of eDNA has become a common method for detecting presence of invasive carp in areas of low density and uncertain presence. Furthermore, eDNA can be used to identify activities such as spawning. However, an eDNA...
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Advanced molecular tools for detection and monitoring of invasive carp

Advanced molecular tools for detection and monitoring of invasive carp

Environmental DNA (eDNA) and related molecular methods are important tools for helping to detect and monitor invasive carp presence in the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins. The use of eDNA has become a common method for detecting presence of invasive carp in areas of low density and uncertain presence. Furthermore, eDNA can be used to identify activities such as spawning. However, an eDNA...
Learn More
A U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service electrofishing boat with a boat operator and two netters is shown under a bridge on the Fox River with many silver carp jumping out of the water in front of them.

Synthetic Biology Tools for Controlling Invasive Carps

We aim to develop control tools for eliminating invasive carps (silver carp – Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, bighead carp – H. nobilis, grass carp – Ctenopharyngodon idella, and black carp – Mylopharyngodon piceus) that use natural gene regulation mechanisms (RNA-induced gene silencing; RNA interference; RNAi) to be species-specific without non-target effects. Invasive carps cause substantial...
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Synthetic Biology Tools for Controlling Invasive Carps

Synthetic Biology Tools for Controlling Invasive Carps

We aim to develop control tools for eliminating invasive carps (silver carp – Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, bighead carp – H. nobilis, grass carp – Ctenopharyngodon idella, and black carp – Mylopharyngodon piceus) that use natural gene regulation mechanisms (RNA-induced gene silencing; RNA interference; RNAi) to be species-specific without non-target effects. Invasive carps cause substantial...
Learn More
CERC researchers collecting eDNA

Molecular Section: eDNA Research

Environmental DNA (eDNA) research at CERC focuses on the development and utility of eDNA tools as well as interpretation of eDNA data in real-world management applications. We work with academic, state, federal and international partners in developing standards and best practices for eDNA technology and exploring the factors that affect eDNA detection in the field. Our lab's eDNA research covers...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
Molecular Section: eDNA Research

Molecular Section: eDNA Research

Environmental DNA (eDNA) research at CERC focuses on the development and utility of eDNA tools as well as interpretation of eDNA data in real-world management applications. We work with academic, state, federal and international partners in developing standards and best practices for eDNA technology and exploring the factors that affect eDNA detection in the field. Our lab's eDNA research covers...
Learn More
CERC flow-through diluter fish system

Effects of Early Life Stage Exposure of Largemouth Bass to Atrazine or a Model Estrogen (17α-Ethinylestradiol)

Early development is a sensitive window for estrogenic endocrine disruption in largemouth bass. Atrazine treatments caused changes to gene expression patterns that were both similar to estrogen and distinct from estrogen.
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Columbia Environmental Research Center
Effects of Early Life Stage Exposure of Largemouth Bass to Atrazine or a Model Estrogen (17α-Ethinylestradiol)

Effects of Early Life Stage Exposure of Largemouth Bass to Atrazine or a Model Estrogen (17α-Ethinylestradiol)

Early development is a sensitive window for estrogenic endocrine disruption in largemouth bass. Atrazine treatments caused changes to gene expression patterns that were both similar to estrogen and distinct from estrogen.
Learn More
CERC researchers collecting eDNA

Threatened, Endangered or Rare Species Detection

The non-invasive nature of eDNA methods for species detection is a great advantage for monitoring of rare, threatened, or endangered species.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
Threatened, Endangered or Rare Species Detection

Threatened, Endangered or Rare Species Detection

The non-invasive nature of eDNA methods for species detection is a great advantage for monitoring of rare, threatened, or endangered species.
Learn More
Flat Creek in Missouri

Searching for Shiners in Missouri

Researchers from the University of Central Missouri (UCM), in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC), implement environmental DNA (eDNA) methods to identify and manage Topeka Shiner populations in Missouri.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
Searching for Shiners in Missouri

Searching for Shiners in Missouri

Researchers from the University of Central Missouri (UCM), in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC), implement environmental DNA (eDNA) methods to identify and manage Topeka Shiner populations in Missouri.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 25

Method comparison for the detection of environmental DNA from three species of unionid mussels in a mesocosm Method comparison for the detection of environmental DNA from three species of unionid mussels in a mesocosm

Data describe a mesocosm study for the detection of mucket (Ortmanniana ligamentina), fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea), and giant floater (Pyganodon grandis) freshwater mussel environmental DNA (eDNA). Water samples were collected on two different days in September of 2022 from a CERC pond containing O. ligamentina, L. siliquoidea, and P. grandis then analyzed for the presence of eDNA...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

Detection of Ortmanniana ligamentina male mitotype DNA from a mesocosm during a natural spawning event Detection of Ortmanniana ligamentina male mitotype DNA from a mesocosm during a natural spawning event

Data describe a mesocosm study for the detection of Mucket (Ortmanniana ligamentina) female and male mitotype environmental DNA (eDNA) during a spawning event. Water samples (approximately 1L) were collected every Monday and Thursday for 4 weeks during August 2021 from a pond located at Columbia Environmental Research Center containing O. ligamentina and analyzed for the presence of sex...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

eDNA shedding rates for juvenile and subadult black carp fed a commercial diet or a Corbicula mussel diet in a laboratory setting eDNA shedding rates for juvenile and subadult black carp fed a commercial diet or a Corbicula mussel diet in a laboratory setting

Data describe designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiments for the estimation of eDNA shedding rates for subadult and juvenile black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) at different biomass densities and fed different quantities of food from water samples collected in the laboratory. Parameters described include descriptions of laboratory collected water samples that were tested to estimate
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

Detection of Cumberlandia monodonta male mitotype eDNA from an outdoor raceway tank during a spawning event Detection of Cumberlandia monodonta male mitotype eDNA from an outdoor raceway tank during a spawning event

Data describe the detection of Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) female and male mitotype environmental DNA (eDNA) during a spawning event. Water samples (approximately 1L) were collected from an outdoor raceway tank containing C. monodonta from March to April 2021 and analyzed for the presence of sex-specific eDNA. Parameters described in this data release include water quality...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

Transcriptomics in Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) Transcriptomics in Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus)

Invasive carp (silver carp, bighead carp, grass carp, and black carp) are a highly impactful species with high fecundities, and they are currently expanding their ranges throughout the Central United States. These four species are known to avoid the conventional gear used to capture native fish species, and traditional removal methods are highly inefficient at capturing fish when at low...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

Detection of exogenous lake trout and endogenous spectaclecase DNA in the Big Piney River from an experimental release of lake trout slurry to study eDNA transport, September 2023 (ver.1.1, May 2025) Detection of exogenous lake trout and endogenous spectaclecase DNA in the Big Piney River from an experimental release of lake trout slurry to study eDNA transport, September 2023 (ver.1.1, May 2025)

This dataset includes eDNA concentrations of water samples from an experimental release of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) slurry used to analyze eDNA transport in the Big Piney River, Missouri. The spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) was also included as a target species due to the proximity of a known spectaclecase population at the slurry release site. The slurry, a frozen block...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
Filter Total Items: 49

Spatial distribution and relative biomass of bigheaded carps in Lake Balaton, Hungary estimated from an environmental DNA survey Spatial distribution and relative biomass of bigheaded carps in Lake Balaton, Hungary estimated from an environmental DNA survey

Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), bighead carp (H. molitrix) and their hybrids, collectively known as bigheaded carps, have been introduced to Lake Balaton, Hungary. The current stock sizes are difficult to assess. We investigated environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques targeted for bigheaded carps, assessed the spatial distribution of eDNA in Lake Balaton, compared eDNA...
Authors
Nora Boross, Ardo Laszlo, Duane C. Chapman, Gergely Boros, Zoltán Vitál, Viktor Tóth, Nathan Thompson, Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Widespread thiamine deficiency in California salmon linked to an anchovy-dominated marine prey base Widespread thiamine deficiency in California salmon linked to an anchovy-dominated marine prey base

Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency in marine systems is a globally significant threat to marine life. In 2020, newly hatched Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) fry in California’s Central Valley (CCV) hatcheries swam in corkscrew patterns and died at unusually high rates due to a lack of this essential vitamin. We subsequently investigated the impacts and causes of thiamine...
Authors
Nate Mantua, Heather M. Bell, Anne E. Todgham, Miles E. Daniels, Jacques Rinchard, Jarrod R. Ludwig, John Field, Steven T Lindley, Freya Elizabeth Rowland, Catherine A. Richter, David Walters, Bruce P. Finney, Anne R. Distajo Haskell, Donald Tillitt, Dale C. Honeyfield, Taylor N. Lipscomb, Kevin Kwak, Jason Kindopp, Dennis E. Cocherell, Abigail Ward, Thomas H. Williams, Jeff Harding, Nann A. Fangue, Carson Jeffres, Rocio Iliana Ruiz-Cooley, Steven Litvin, Scott Foott, Mark Adkison, Brett Kormos, Peggy Harte, Frederick S. Colwell, Christopher P. Suffridge, Kelly Shannon, Amanda Cranford, Charlotte Ambrose, Aimee N. Reed, Rachel C. Johnson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Detection and transport of environmental DNA from two federally endangered mussels Detection and transport of environmental DNA from two federally endangered mussels

Environmental DNA (eDNA) offers a novel approach to supplement traditional surveys and provide increased spatial and temporal information on species detection, and it can be especially beneficial for detecting at risk or threatened species with minimal impact on the target species. The transport of eDNA in lotic environments is an important component in providing more informed...
Authors
Brandon James Sansom, Dannise Vannesa Ruiz-Ramos, Nathan Thompson, Maura O Roberts, Zachary Taylor, Katie Ortiz, Jess W. Jones, Catherine A. Richter, Katy E. Klymus
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Silver Chub spawning confirmed in the Maumee River, a tributary of Lake Erie Silver Chub spawning confirmed in the Maumee River, a tributary of Lake Erie

Objective Biodiversity is declining due to invasive species and other factors that can affect individual species differently. Silver Chub Macrhybopsis storeriana are declining in their native range, and their conservation status in the Great Lakes ranges from secure to possibly extirpated. Lake Erie once supported a large Silver Chub population until it crashed in the 1950s. Additionally...
Authors
Ryan E. Brown, Christine M. Mayer, Nathan Thompson, Corbin David Hilling, James Roberts, Catherine A. Richter
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Great Lakes Science Center

Zebra and Quagga mussels in the United States—Dreissenid mussel research by the U.S. Geological Survey Zebra and Quagga mussels in the United States—Dreissenid mussel research by the U.S. Geological Survey

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) delivers high-quality data, technologies, and decision-support tools to help managers both reduce existing populations and control the spread of dreissenid mussels. The USGS researches ecology, biology, risk assessment, and early detection and rapid response methods; provides decision support; and develops and tests control measures.
Authors
Cayla R. Morningstar, Patrick M. Kocovsky, Michael E. Colvin, Timothy D. Counihan, Wesley M. Daniel, Peter C. Esselman, Cathy A. Richter, Adam Sepulveda, Diane L. Waller
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Great Lakes Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Environmental DNA dynamics of three species of unionid freshwater mussels Environmental DNA dynamics of three species of unionid freshwater mussels

North American freshwater mussels are of special conservation concern due to their high endemism and the multiple anthropogenic stressors affecting them. Of the over 300 species in North America, nearly one third of these species are federally listed as threatened or endangered. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has been successful in detecting freshwater mussels and could aid in...
Authors
Dannise Ruiz-Ramos, Nathan Thompson, Catherine A. Richter, Megan C. Voshage, Theresa M. Schreier, Christopher M. Merkes, Katy E. Klymus
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Taylor, J.A., Richter, C.A., Suzuki, A., Watanabe, H., Iguchi, T., Coser, K.R., Shioda, T., and vom Saal, F.S., 2012, Dose-related estrogen effects on gene expression in fetal mouse prostate mesenchymal cells: PLOS ONE, v. 7, no. 10, p. e48311
Taylor, J.A., Richter, C.A., Ruhlen, R.L., and vom Saal, F.S., 2011, Estrogenic environmental chemicals and drugs: Mechanisms for effects on the developing male urogenital system: The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, v. 127, no. 1, p. 83-95
Richter, C.A., Taylor, J.A., Ruhlen, R.L., Welshons, W.V., and vom Saal, F.S., 2007, Estradiol and Bisphenol A stimulate androgen receptor and estrogen receptor gene expression in fetal mouse prostate mesenchyme cells: Environmental Health Perspectives, v. 115, no. 6, p. 902-908
vom Saal, F.S., Richter, C.A., Mao, J., and Welshons, W.V., 2005, Commercial animal feed: Variability in estrogenic activity and effects on body weight in mice: Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology, v. 73, no. 7, p. 474-475
Timms, B.G., Howdeshell, K.L., Barton, L., Bradley, S., Richter, C.A., and vom Saal, F.S., 2005, Estrogenic chemicals in plastic and oral contraceptives disrupt development of the fetal mouse prostate and urethra: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, v. 102, no. 19, p. 7014-7019
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**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Spiked qPCR primary analysis Spiked qPCR primary analysis

This script is for analyzing raw eDNA qPCR data. It is designed to efficiently concatenate qPCR data from multiple plates exported as *.csv files. It will assist with completing several QA/QC checks and output documentation of these checks as well as helpful files for further review.
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
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