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For further information, contact the MBL Communications Office at (508) 289-7423 or e-mail us at comm@mbl.edu
Embargo: 10 a.m. EST / 3 p.m. GMT, Tues. Feb. 26
Contacts: Terry Collins, +1-416-538-8712 or +1-416-878-8712, terrycollins@rogers.com
Diana Kenney, Marine Biological Laboratory, +1-508-289-7139; dkenney@mbl.edu
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Potential Applications of EOL
EOL will illuminate patterns in biodiversity, promising knowledge comparable in impact to that gained after the microscope’s invention in the 1600s. The EOL “macroscope” will have a catalytic effect on comparative biology, ecology and related fields. It will also be the ultimate online field guide, complete with links to DNA barcoding and other information of interest and use to everyone from professional scientists to birdwatchers and gardeners.
Among many potential applications of the EOL:
- Tracing the relation between changes in animal and plant populations and climate;
- Mapping the distribution of human disease vectors, such as crows, mosquitoes and the West Nile virus;
- Comparison of the life spans of related species – a prelude to lab research into reasons for human aging;
- Port inspections of ballast water for invasive species, assisted by links to molecular DNA barcode reference information;
- Assist in field research and dramatically shorten the time required to authenticate or describe new mammals, birds, bugs, plants, bacteria and other species discovered by scientists anywhere in the world;
- Revolutionize teaching and learning of the life sciences for all ages;
Contribute to timely and informed environmental management decisions by professionals and citizen environmental managers alike.
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