NSF Funds Genomic Research on 50-Year-Old Stickleback Populations
The National Science Foundation has awarded the Cresko Lab a major grant to study genomic evolution in unique 50-year-old threespine stickleback populations!
This exciting project will investigate stickleback populations that colonized newly-formed freshwater habitats created by the 1964 Alaska earthquake, providing an unprecedented opportunity to study evolution in real-time using cutting-edge genomic approaches.
Project Significance
This grant enables study of: - Real-time evolution - Natural experiments - Genomic changes over decades - Rapid adaptation mechanisms - Predictable evolution
The 1964 Earthquake
The Good Friday earthquake: - Magnitude 9.2 - Uplifted islands - Created new ponds - Isolated marine fish - Started evolution clock
Research Questions
The project addresses: - How fast can evolution occur? - What genes change first? - Is evolution predictable? - How does selection work? - What constrains adaptation?
Genomic Approaches
We will employ: - RAD sequencing - Whole genome sequencing - Population genomics - Comparative analyses - Time series sampling
Unique Opportunity
These populations offer: - Known colonization date - Replicated evolution - Environmental gradients - Ancestral comparisons - Controlled timeline
Field Work Component
The grant supports: - Alaska expeditions - Sample collection - Environmental measurements - Population surveys - Collaborative partnerships
Expected Discoveries
We anticipate finding: - Rapid genomic evolution - Parallel genetic changes - Selection signatures - Adaptation mechanisms - Evolutionary rates
Broader Impacts
This research informs: - Climate change responses - Conservation strategies - Evolutionary theory - Adaptation potential - Species resilience
Student Training
The project provides: - Graduate student support - Field experience - Genomics training - Research opportunities - Career development
Collaborative Network
Partners include: - Alaska researchers - Local communities - Other institutions - International collaborators - Resource managers
Long-term Vision
This funding initiates: - Multi-year study - Longitudinal research - Resource development - Method refinement - Discovery platform
Scientific Innovation
The project combines: - Natural history - Modern genomics - Evolutionary theory - Field biology - Computational biology
This NSF support enables groundbreaking research on evolution as it happens!