Imamura, A. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2026

A Novel eDNA-Based Approach for Hybrid Detection: Implications for Conservation Management

Hybridization between invasive and native species poses a hidden but critical threat to biodiversity. While environmental DNA (eDNA) has revolutionized species monitoring, it has lacked the resolution to detect hybrid individuals. Here, we present the first experimental demonstration of hybrid identification using eDNA. Our method isolates a single cell in the environment (hereafter, eCell) and enables cellular-level analysis using multiplex digital PCR targeting nuclear markers from both parental species. Validation with controlled tank experiments using Oncorhynchus masou masou x Salvelinus leucomaenis leucomaenis hybrid individuals confirmed the methods ability to separately detect hybrid individuals from co-habiting purebred parent individuals. This eCell analysis overcomes the limitations of traditional eDNA methods and offers a scalable, non-invasive tool for detecting cryptic hybridization. By enabling early and accurate detection of hybrid individuals, it supports timely conservation decisions, including management prioritization and the protection of purebred populations. This novel technique bridges a critical gap in conservation genetics and enhances eDNAs utility for biodiversity management in the face of global change.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2024

Zero-echo time imaging achieves whole brain activity mapping without ventral signal loss in mice

Functional MRI (fMRI) is an important tool for investigating functional networks. However, the widely used fMRI with T2*-weighted imaging in rodents has the problem of signal lack in the lateral ventral area of forebrain including the amygdala, which is essential for not only emotion but also noxious pain. Here, we scouted the zero-echo time (ZTE) sequence, which is robust to magnetic susceptibility and motion-derived artifacts, to image activation in the whole brain including the amygdala following the noxious stimulation to the hind paw. ZTE exhibited higher spatial and temporal signal-to-noise ratios than conventional fMRI sequences. Electrical sensory stimulation of the hind paw evoked ZTE signal increase in the primary somatosensory cortex. Formalin injection into the hind paw evoked early and latent change of ZTE signals throughout the whole brain including the subregions of amygdala. Furthermore, resting-state fMRI using ZTE demonstrated the functional connectivity, including that of the amygdala. These results indicate the feasibility of ZTE for whole brain fMRI, including the amygdala and we first show acute and latent activity in different subnuclei of the amygdala complex after nociceptive stimulation. Significance statementFunctional MRI (fMRI) is an important tool for investigating functional networks. However, the widely used fMRI in rodents has the problem of signal lack in the lateral ventral area of forebrain including the amygdala, which is essential for not only emotion but also noxious pain. Here, we used zero-echo time (ZTE) sequence, which was robust to susceptibility artifacts, for functional imaging in the whole brain including amygdala. We demonstrated the feasibility and advantages of using ZTE to investigate neuronal activity in mice. Furthermore, we first showed acute and latent activation in different subnuclei of the amygdala complex as well as other regions related to pain after nociceptive stimulation in mice.

neuroscience↗