Robert (Scott) Cornman, PhD
Scott Cornman is a Biologist at the Fort Collins Science Center.
(Robert) Scott Cornman is a Biologist at the Fort Collins Science Center. He received a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Georgia. He is a genomics specialist focusing on the application of SNPs, RNA-Seq, and barcode sequencing to organismal ecology and conservation.
Professional Experience
2015-present, Biologist, USGS FORT, Fort Collins, CO
2012-2015, Biologist, USGS LSC, Leetown, WV
2008-2012, Geneticist, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD
Education and Certifications
PhD Genetics/University of Georgia, 2006
B.A. History/Rice University, 1992
Science and Products
Molecular Ecology Lab (MEL)
The Molecular Ecology Laboratory applies innovative genetic and genomic technologies to address a variety of complex questions and issues facing the Nation's natural resources. While we continually update the scale and efficiency of laboratory procedures to meet stakeholder needs, we must also be innovative and flexible in addressing those needs that have no off-the-shelf solution. We help...
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Genetic analysis is increasingly used to understand ecosystem processes and inform conservation, management, and policy. I assist USGS researchers and their collaborators in the design, analysis, and interpretation of high-throughput genetic studies. Common applications include: detecting genes responsive to particular environmental stressors in a sentinel species or species of conservation...
Filter Total Items: 29
DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of transient receptor potential (Trp) genes in tetrapods DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of transient receptor potential (Trp) genes in tetrapods
The dataset consists of two file types. The first type consists of sets of orthologous gene sequences of the transient receptor potential (Trp) superfamily of genes in FASTA format. The sequence data were obtained from the Gene database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene), aligned at the codon level, and trimmed to a defined region...
Macoma Clam Prey Identified by DNA Metabarcoding, 2018 and 2019, Alaska Macoma Clam Prey Identified by DNA Metabarcoding, 2018 and 2019, Alaska
This dataset describes sequence data derived from 18S ribosomal and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) DNA. Stomach contents from 190 Macoma calcarea clams were examined for this study. Clams were collected from the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea, Alaska in 2018 and 2019 using benthic van Veen grabs.
Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by Bombus affinis for compositional analysis Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by Bombus affinis for compositional analysis
This study generated genetic 'barcode' data using high-throughput sequencing to characterize pollen collected by the endangered rusty-patched bumblebee, Bombus affinis. Pollen samples were associated with a single Bombus affinis colony within a structure in Red Wing, Minnesota, USA, as previously described by Boone et al. (2022). This data release consists of two tab-delimited files: 1)...
Greater sage-grouse genetic data and R code for evaluating conservation translocations in the northwestern United States, 1992–2021 (ver. 1.1, December 2024) Greater sage-grouse genetic data and R code for evaluating conservation translocations in the northwestern United States, 1992–2021 (ver. 1.1, December 2024)
Conservation translocations are a common wildlife management tool that can be difficult to implement and evaluate for effectiveness. Genetic information can provide unique insight regarding local impact of translocations (e.g., presence and retention of introduced genetic variation) and identifying suitable source and recipient populations (e.g., adaptive similarity). We developed two...
Cactus Wren Invertebrate Diet Derived from Sequencing of Nestling Fecal Samples in San Diego County, California Cactus Wren Invertebrate Diet Derived from Sequencing of Nestling Fecal Samples in San Diego County, California
This dataset contains the invertebrates (identified to Order and Family) present in Cactus Wren nestling fecal samples and found using DNA sequencing (metabarcoding) methods. Nestling fecal samples were collected from one or more handled nestlings per territory collected between April and July of 2015 through 2019 in San Diego, California. The steps to process these data are detailed in...
DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of genes in bats DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of genes in bats
The dataset consists of sets of orthologous gene sequences obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and from Cornman and Cryan (2022). Sequences derive from twelve bat species that are representative of bat diversity and for which high-quality gene models have been annotated. Each gene set was codon aligned and subsequently trimmed as...
Whole genome sequencing of three North American large-bodied birds Whole genome sequencing of three North American large-bodied birds
The data release details the samples, methods, and raw data used to generate high-quality genome assemblies for greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura), and trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator). The raw data have been deposited in the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the authoritative...
Reduced representation sequencing and genotyping of Arizona Toads (Anaxyrus microscaphus) from the southwestern United States Reduced representation sequencing and genotyping of Arizona Toads (Anaxyrus microscaphus) from the southwestern United States
The dataset consists of genotypes (diploid base calls at variant sites) at 3,601 anonymous sites of the Arizona Toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus) nuclear genome. The genotyped samples are representative of the range of the species and its major population units, and the genotyped loci have a high degree of completeness. This data release consists of several files: 1. sample.metadata.txt...
Occurrences of Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) sequences in public accessions of Apis mellifera and Varroa destructor Occurrences of Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) sequences in public accessions of Apis mellifera and Varroa destructor
Honey bees (Apis mellifera), a critical agricultural pollinator in many areas, have a high rate of infection with a large DNA virus, Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV), yet little is known about its ecology or impact on honey bee colonies, other than its ubiquity and apparent low virulence. This study scanned over 5,000 public data sets to detect AmFV sequences in honey bees as well...
Voucher and metagenetic sequencing of DNA barcodes of wild-collected bees (Apoidea) from Iowa, USA Voucher and metagenetic sequencing of DNA barcodes of wild-collected bees (Apoidea) from Iowa, USA
High-throughput methods for identification of pollinator taxa are desirable to improve our understanding of pollinator distributions, population trends, and ecology. Genetic sequencing of taxonomically informative 'barcode' loci is one high-throughput strategy, which can be applied to individual specimens using Sanger technology and to complex mixtures using metabarcoding technology...
Metabarcode sequencing of aquatic environmental DNA from the Potomac River Watershed, 2015-2020 Metabarcode sequencing of aquatic environmental DNA from the Potomac River Watershed, 2015-2020
Biological indicator taxa have long been used for integrative assessments of water quality, particularly benthic invertebrate groups such as arthropods. While standardized protocols have been developed to calculate 'biological index' scores based on the abundances of these taxa, such systems are challenging to implement at large scales due to the sampling effort required, taxonomic...
A reference genome assembly for the endangered Aga or Mariana Crow (Corvus kubaryi) A reference genome assembly for the endangered Aga or Mariana Crow (Corvus kubaryi)
The Aga, also known as the Mariana Crow, is an endangered endemic crow of the Northern Mariana Islands, a Commonwealth of the United States of America. The only known population currently extant is on the island of Rota and has been in decline over the past two decades. Unknown pathogens are among the factors that may be contributing to this decline. To support metagenomic and...
Filter Total Items: 51
Floral Composition of Pollen Collected from a Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis, Cresson) Nest in Southeastern Minnesota Floral Composition of Pollen Collected from a Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis, Cresson) Nest in Southeastern Minnesota
Understanding the forage diets of imperiled bumble bees can improve conservation planning and habitat restoration efforts. In this study, we describe the taxonomic composition of bee-collected pollen from 2 Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis, Cresson) nests located in southeastern Minnesota. This is the first published reporting of pollen collected from active B. affinis nests. We...
Authors
Michael Simanonok, Elaine Evans, Clint R.V. Otto, Robert S. Cornman, Deborah Iwanowicz, Tamara A. Smith
A genomic hotspot of diversifying selection and structural change in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) A genomic hotspot of diversifying selection and structural change in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
BackgroundPrevious work found that numerous genes positively selected within the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) lineage are physically clustered in regions of conserved synteny. Here I further validate and expand on those finding utilizing an updated L. cinereus genome assembly and additional bat species as well as other tetrapod outgroups.MethodsA chromosome-level assembly was generated...
Authors
Robert S. Cornman
The potential influence of genome-wide adaptive divergence on conservation translocation outcome in an isolated greater sage-grouse population The potential influence of genome-wide adaptive divergence on conservation translocation outcome in an isolated greater sage-grouse population
Conservation translocations are an important conservation tool commonly employed to augment declining or reestablish extirpated populations. One goal of augmentation is to increase genetic diversity and reduce the risk of inbreeding depression (i.e., genetic rescue). However, introducing individuals from significantly diverged populations risks disrupting coadapted traits and reducing...
Authors
Shawna J Zimmerman, Cameron L. Aldridge, Michael A Schroeder, Jennifer A. Fike, Robert S. Cornman, Sara J. Oyler-McCance
Comparing modern identification methods for wild bees: Metabarcoding and image-based morphological taxonomic assignment Comparing modern identification methods for wild bees: Metabarcoding and image-based morphological taxonomic assignment
With the decline of bee populations worldwide, studies determining current wild bee distributions and diversity are increasingly important. Wild bee identification is often completed by experienced taxonomists or by genetic analysis. The current study was designed to compare two methods of identification including: (1) morphological identification by experienced taxonomists using images...
Authors
Cassandra Smith, Robert S. Cornman, Jennifer A. Fike, Johanna M. Kraus, Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Carrie E. Givens, Michelle Hladik, Mark W. Vandever, Dana W. Kolpin, Kelly Smalling
Genetic Connectivity in the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus): implications for conservation of a stream dwelling amphibian in the arid Southwestern U.S. Genetic Connectivity in the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus): implications for conservation of a stream dwelling amphibian in the arid Southwestern U.S.
The Arizona Toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus) is restricted to riverine corridors and adjacent uplands in the arid southwestern United States. As with numerous amphibians worldwide, populations are declining and face various known or suspected threats, from disease to habitat modification resulting from climate change. The Arizona Toad has been petitioned to be listed under the U.S...
Authors
Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Mason J. Ryan, Brian K. Sullivan, Jennifer A. Fike, Robert S. Cornman, J. T. Giermakowski, Shawna J Zimmerman, R. L. Harrow, S.J. Hedwell, Blake R. Hossack, I. M. Latella, R. E. Lovish, S. Siefken, Brent H. Sigafus, Erin L. Muths
Naegleria fowleri detected in Grand Teton National Park hot springs Naegleria fowleri detected in Grand Teton National Park hot springs
The free-living thermophilic amoeba Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) causes the highly fatal disease primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. The environmental conditions that are favorable to the growth and proliferation of N. fowleri are not well-defined, especially in northern regions of the United States. In this study, we used culture-based methods and multiple molecular approaches to...
Authors
Elliott Barnhart, Stacy Kinsey, Peter R. Wright, Sara L. Caldwell Eldridge, Vince Hill, Amy Kahler, Mia Mattioli, Robert S. Cornman, Deborah Iwanowicz, Zachary Eddy, Sandra Halonen, Rebecca C. Mueller, Brent Peyton, Geoffrey Puzon
Data mining reveals tissue-specific expression and host lineage-associated forms of Apis mellifera filamentous virus Data mining reveals tissue-specific expression and host lineage-associated forms of Apis mellifera filamentous virus
Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) is a large double-stranded DNA virus of uncertain phylogenetic position that infects honey bees (Apis mellifera). Little is known about AmFV evolution or molecular aspects of infection. Accurate annotation of open-reading frames (ORFs) is challenged by weak homology to other known viruses. This study was undertaken to evaluate ORFs (including...
Authors
Robert S. Cornman
Fecal metabarcoding of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) reveals a diverse and forb rich diet that reflects local habitat availability Fecal metabarcoding of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) reveals a diverse and forb rich diet that reflects local habitat availability
Information on diet breadth and preference can assist in understanding links between food resources and population growth and inform habitat restoration for rare herbivores. We assessed the diet of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse using metabarcoding of fecal samples and compared it to plant community composition in long-term study plots in two populations on Marine Corps Base Camp...
Authors
A.G. Vandergast, Cheryl S. Brehme, Deborah Iwanowicz, Robert S. Cornman, Devin T. Adsit-Morris, Robert N. Fisher
Assessing arthropod diversity metrics derived from stream environmental DNA: Spatiotemporal variation and paired comparisons with manual sampling Assessing arthropod diversity metrics derived from stream environmental DNA: Spatiotemporal variation and paired comparisons with manual sampling
BackgroundBenthic invertebrate (BI) surveys have been widely used to characterize freshwater environmental quality but can be challenging to implement at desired spatial scales and frequency. Environmental DNA (eDNA) allows an alternative BI survey approach, one that can potentially be implemented more rapidly and cheaply than traditional methods.MethodsWe evaluated eDNA analogs of BI...
Authors
Aaron Aunins, Sara J. Mueller, Jennifer A. Fike, Robert S. Cornman
Comparison of microscopy and metabarcoding to identify pollen used by the critically endangered rusty patched bumble bee, Bombus affinis Comparison of microscopy and metabarcoding to identify pollen used by the critically endangered rusty patched bumble bee, Bombus affinis
Taxonomic analysis of pollen collected by bees can provide insights into their host plant use, providing information about the plant species selected for targeted conservation strategies. The two main identification approaches used are morphological analysis of pollen samples affixed to microscope slides (i.e., microscopic palynology) and molecular analysis of samples. Both methods are...
Authors
Michael P. Simanonok, Deborah Iwanowicz, Clayton D. Raines, Thomas J. Wood, Rufus Isaacs, Robert S. Cornman, Clint R.V. Otto
Genome resequencing clarifies phylogeny and reveals patterns of selection in the toxicogenomics model Pimephales promelas Genome resequencing clarifies phylogeny and reveals patterns of selection in the toxicogenomics model Pimephales promelas
BackgroundThe fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) is a model species for toxicological research. A high-quality genome reference sequence is available, and genomic methods are increasingly used in toxicological studies of the species. However, phylogenetic relationships within the genus remain incompletely known and little population-genomic data are available for fathead minnow despite...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Robert A. Hrabik, Nathan Thompson, Robert S. Cornman
Positively selected genes in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) lineage: Prominence of thymus expression, immune and metabolic function, and regions of ancient synteny Positively selected genes in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) lineage: Prominence of thymus expression, immune and metabolic function, and regions of ancient synteny
BackgroundBats of the genus Lasiurus occur throughout the Americas and have diversified into at least 20 species among three subgenera. The hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) is highly migratory and ranges farther across North America than any other wild mammal. Despite the ecological importance of this species as a major insect predator, and the particular susceptibility of lasiurine bats to...
Authors
Robert S. Cornman, Paul M. Cryan
Science and Products
Molecular Ecology Lab (MEL)
The Molecular Ecology Laboratory applies innovative genetic and genomic technologies to address a variety of complex questions and issues facing the Nation's natural resources. While we continually update the scale and efficiency of laboratory procedures to meet stakeholder needs, we must also be innovative and flexible in addressing those needs that have no off-the-shelf solution. We help...
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Genetic analysis is increasingly used to understand ecosystem processes and inform conservation, management, and policy. I assist USGS researchers and their collaborators in the design, analysis, and interpretation of high-throughput genetic studies. Common applications include: detecting genes responsive to particular environmental stressors in a sentinel species or species of conservation...
Filter Total Items: 29
DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of transient receptor potential (Trp) genes in tetrapods DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of transient receptor potential (Trp) genes in tetrapods
The dataset consists of two file types. The first type consists of sets of orthologous gene sequences of the transient receptor potential (Trp) superfamily of genes in FASTA format. The sequence data were obtained from the Gene database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene), aligned at the codon level, and trimmed to a defined region...
Macoma Clam Prey Identified by DNA Metabarcoding, 2018 and 2019, Alaska Macoma Clam Prey Identified by DNA Metabarcoding, 2018 and 2019, Alaska
This dataset describes sequence data derived from 18S ribosomal and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) DNA. Stomach contents from 190 Macoma calcarea clams were examined for this study. Clams were collected from the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea, Alaska in 2018 and 2019 using benthic van Veen grabs.
Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by Bombus affinis for compositional analysis Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by Bombus affinis for compositional analysis
This study generated genetic 'barcode' data using high-throughput sequencing to characterize pollen collected by the endangered rusty-patched bumblebee, Bombus affinis. Pollen samples were associated with a single Bombus affinis colony within a structure in Red Wing, Minnesota, USA, as previously described by Boone et al. (2022). This data release consists of two tab-delimited files: 1)...
Greater sage-grouse genetic data and R code for evaluating conservation translocations in the northwestern United States, 1992–2021 (ver. 1.1, December 2024) Greater sage-grouse genetic data and R code for evaluating conservation translocations in the northwestern United States, 1992–2021 (ver. 1.1, December 2024)
Conservation translocations are a common wildlife management tool that can be difficult to implement and evaluate for effectiveness. Genetic information can provide unique insight regarding local impact of translocations (e.g., presence and retention of introduced genetic variation) and identifying suitable source and recipient populations (e.g., adaptive similarity). We developed two...
Cactus Wren Invertebrate Diet Derived from Sequencing of Nestling Fecal Samples in San Diego County, California Cactus Wren Invertebrate Diet Derived from Sequencing of Nestling Fecal Samples in San Diego County, California
This dataset contains the invertebrates (identified to Order and Family) present in Cactus Wren nestling fecal samples and found using DNA sequencing (metabarcoding) methods. Nestling fecal samples were collected from one or more handled nestlings per territory collected between April and July of 2015 through 2019 in San Diego, California. The steps to process these data are detailed in...
DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of genes in bats DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of genes in bats
The dataset consists of sets of orthologous gene sequences obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and from Cornman and Cryan (2022). Sequences derive from twelve bat species that are representative of bat diversity and for which high-quality gene models have been annotated. Each gene set was codon aligned and subsequently trimmed as...
Whole genome sequencing of three North American large-bodied birds Whole genome sequencing of three North American large-bodied birds
The data release details the samples, methods, and raw data used to generate high-quality genome assemblies for greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura), and trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator). The raw data have been deposited in the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the authoritative...
Reduced representation sequencing and genotyping of Arizona Toads (Anaxyrus microscaphus) from the southwestern United States Reduced representation sequencing and genotyping of Arizona Toads (Anaxyrus microscaphus) from the southwestern United States
The dataset consists of genotypes (diploid base calls at variant sites) at 3,601 anonymous sites of the Arizona Toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus) nuclear genome. The genotyped samples are representative of the range of the species and its major population units, and the genotyped loci have a high degree of completeness. This data release consists of several files: 1. sample.metadata.txt...
Occurrences of Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) sequences in public accessions of Apis mellifera and Varroa destructor Occurrences of Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) sequences in public accessions of Apis mellifera and Varroa destructor
Honey bees (Apis mellifera), a critical agricultural pollinator in many areas, have a high rate of infection with a large DNA virus, Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV), yet little is known about its ecology or impact on honey bee colonies, other than its ubiquity and apparent low virulence. This study scanned over 5,000 public data sets to detect AmFV sequences in honey bees as well...
Voucher and metagenetic sequencing of DNA barcodes of wild-collected bees (Apoidea) from Iowa, USA Voucher and metagenetic sequencing of DNA barcodes of wild-collected bees (Apoidea) from Iowa, USA
High-throughput methods for identification of pollinator taxa are desirable to improve our understanding of pollinator distributions, population trends, and ecology. Genetic sequencing of taxonomically informative 'barcode' loci is one high-throughput strategy, which can be applied to individual specimens using Sanger technology and to complex mixtures using metabarcoding technology...
Metabarcode sequencing of aquatic environmental DNA from the Potomac River Watershed, 2015-2020 Metabarcode sequencing of aquatic environmental DNA from the Potomac River Watershed, 2015-2020
Biological indicator taxa have long been used for integrative assessments of water quality, particularly benthic invertebrate groups such as arthropods. While standardized protocols have been developed to calculate 'biological index' scores based on the abundances of these taxa, such systems are challenging to implement at large scales due to the sampling effort required, taxonomic...
A reference genome assembly for the endangered Aga or Mariana Crow (Corvus kubaryi) A reference genome assembly for the endangered Aga or Mariana Crow (Corvus kubaryi)
The Aga, also known as the Mariana Crow, is an endangered endemic crow of the Northern Mariana Islands, a Commonwealth of the United States of America. The only known population currently extant is on the island of Rota and has been in decline over the past two decades. Unknown pathogens are among the factors that may be contributing to this decline. To support metagenomic and...
Filter Total Items: 51
Floral Composition of Pollen Collected from a Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis, Cresson) Nest in Southeastern Minnesota Floral Composition of Pollen Collected from a Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis, Cresson) Nest in Southeastern Minnesota
Understanding the forage diets of imperiled bumble bees can improve conservation planning and habitat restoration efforts. In this study, we describe the taxonomic composition of bee-collected pollen from 2 Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis, Cresson) nests located in southeastern Minnesota. This is the first published reporting of pollen collected from active B. affinis nests. We...
Authors
Michael Simanonok, Elaine Evans, Clint R.V. Otto, Robert S. Cornman, Deborah Iwanowicz, Tamara A. Smith
A genomic hotspot of diversifying selection and structural change in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) A genomic hotspot of diversifying selection and structural change in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
BackgroundPrevious work found that numerous genes positively selected within the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) lineage are physically clustered in regions of conserved synteny. Here I further validate and expand on those finding utilizing an updated L. cinereus genome assembly and additional bat species as well as other tetrapod outgroups.MethodsA chromosome-level assembly was generated...
Authors
Robert S. Cornman
The potential influence of genome-wide adaptive divergence on conservation translocation outcome in an isolated greater sage-grouse population The potential influence of genome-wide adaptive divergence on conservation translocation outcome in an isolated greater sage-grouse population
Conservation translocations are an important conservation tool commonly employed to augment declining or reestablish extirpated populations. One goal of augmentation is to increase genetic diversity and reduce the risk of inbreeding depression (i.e., genetic rescue). However, introducing individuals from significantly diverged populations risks disrupting coadapted traits and reducing...
Authors
Shawna J Zimmerman, Cameron L. Aldridge, Michael A Schroeder, Jennifer A. Fike, Robert S. Cornman, Sara J. Oyler-McCance
Comparing modern identification methods for wild bees: Metabarcoding and image-based morphological taxonomic assignment Comparing modern identification methods for wild bees: Metabarcoding and image-based morphological taxonomic assignment
With the decline of bee populations worldwide, studies determining current wild bee distributions and diversity are increasingly important. Wild bee identification is often completed by experienced taxonomists or by genetic analysis. The current study was designed to compare two methods of identification including: (1) morphological identification by experienced taxonomists using images...
Authors
Cassandra Smith, Robert S. Cornman, Jennifer A. Fike, Johanna M. Kraus, Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Carrie E. Givens, Michelle Hladik, Mark W. Vandever, Dana W. Kolpin, Kelly Smalling
Genetic Connectivity in the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus): implications for conservation of a stream dwelling amphibian in the arid Southwestern U.S. Genetic Connectivity in the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus): implications for conservation of a stream dwelling amphibian in the arid Southwestern U.S.
The Arizona Toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus) is restricted to riverine corridors and adjacent uplands in the arid southwestern United States. As with numerous amphibians worldwide, populations are declining and face various known or suspected threats, from disease to habitat modification resulting from climate change. The Arizona Toad has been petitioned to be listed under the U.S...
Authors
Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Mason J. Ryan, Brian K. Sullivan, Jennifer A. Fike, Robert S. Cornman, J. T. Giermakowski, Shawna J Zimmerman, R. L. Harrow, S.J. Hedwell, Blake R. Hossack, I. M. Latella, R. E. Lovish, S. Siefken, Brent H. Sigafus, Erin L. Muths
Naegleria fowleri detected in Grand Teton National Park hot springs Naegleria fowleri detected in Grand Teton National Park hot springs
The free-living thermophilic amoeba Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) causes the highly fatal disease primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. The environmental conditions that are favorable to the growth and proliferation of N. fowleri are not well-defined, especially in northern regions of the United States. In this study, we used culture-based methods and multiple molecular approaches to...
Authors
Elliott Barnhart, Stacy Kinsey, Peter R. Wright, Sara L. Caldwell Eldridge, Vince Hill, Amy Kahler, Mia Mattioli, Robert S. Cornman, Deborah Iwanowicz, Zachary Eddy, Sandra Halonen, Rebecca C. Mueller, Brent Peyton, Geoffrey Puzon
Data mining reveals tissue-specific expression and host lineage-associated forms of Apis mellifera filamentous virus Data mining reveals tissue-specific expression and host lineage-associated forms of Apis mellifera filamentous virus
Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) is a large double-stranded DNA virus of uncertain phylogenetic position that infects honey bees (Apis mellifera). Little is known about AmFV evolution or molecular aspects of infection. Accurate annotation of open-reading frames (ORFs) is challenged by weak homology to other known viruses. This study was undertaken to evaluate ORFs (including...
Authors
Robert S. Cornman
Fecal metabarcoding of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) reveals a diverse and forb rich diet that reflects local habitat availability Fecal metabarcoding of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) reveals a diverse and forb rich diet that reflects local habitat availability
Information on diet breadth and preference can assist in understanding links between food resources and population growth and inform habitat restoration for rare herbivores. We assessed the diet of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse using metabarcoding of fecal samples and compared it to plant community composition in long-term study plots in two populations on Marine Corps Base Camp...
Authors
A.G. Vandergast, Cheryl S. Brehme, Deborah Iwanowicz, Robert S. Cornman, Devin T. Adsit-Morris, Robert N. Fisher
Assessing arthropod diversity metrics derived from stream environmental DNA: Spatiotemporal variation and paired comparisons with manual sampling Assessing arthropod diversity metrics derived from stream environmental DNA: Spatiotemporal variation and paired comparisons with manual sampling
BackgroundBenthic invertebrate (BI) surveys have been widely used to characterize freshwater environmental quality but can be challenging to implement at desired spatial scales and frequency. Environmental DNA (eDNA) allows an alternative BI survey approach, one that can potentially be implemented more rapidly and cheaply than traditional methods.MethodsWe evaluated eDNA analogs of BI...
Authors
Aaron Aunins, Sara J. Mueller, Jennifer A. Fike, Robert S. Cornman
Comparison of microscopy and metabarcoding to identify pollen used by the critically endangered rusty patched bumble bee, Bombus affinis Comparison of microscopy and metabarcoding to identify pollen used by the critically endangered rusty patched bumble bee, Bombus affinis
Taxonomic analysis of pollen collected by bees can provide insights into their host plant use, providing information about the plant species selected for targeted conservation strategies. The two main identification approaches used are morphological analysis of pollen samples affixed to microscope slides (i.e., microscopic palynology) and molecular analysis of samples. Both methods are...
Authors
Michael P. Simanonok, Deborah Iwanowicz, Clayton D. Raines, Thomas J. Wood, Rufus Isaacs, Robert S. Cornman, Clint R.V. Otto
Genome resequencing clarifies phylogeny and reveals patterns of selection in the toxicogenomics model Pimephales promelas Genome resequencing clarifies phylogeny and reveals patterns of selection in the toxicogenomics model Pimephales promelas
BackgroundThe fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) is a model species for toxicological research. A high-quality genome reference sequence is available, and genomic methods are increasingly used in toxicological studies of the species. However, phylogenetic relationships within the genus remain incompletely known and little population-genomic data are available for fathead minnow despite...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Robert A. Hrabik, Nathan Thompson, Robert S. Cornman
Positively selected genes in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) lineage: Prominence of thymus expression, immune and metabolic function, and regions of ancient synteny Positively selected genes in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) lineage: Prominence of thymus expression, immune and metabolic function, and regions of ancient synteny
BackgroundBats of the genus Lasiurus occur throughout the Americas and have diversified into at least 20 species among three subgenera. The hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) is highly migratory and ranges farther across North America than any other wild mammal. Despite the ecological importance of this species as a major insect predator, and the particular susceptibility of lasiurine bats to...
Authors
Robert S. Cornman, Paul M. Cryan