Genetic diversity is a fundamental component of biodiversity, with far-reaching implications for the stability and resilience of ecosystems. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of genetic monitoring in wild species, we still lack a clear understanding of which regions are devoid of genetic diversity data and which lineages remain insufficiently characterized. Although the cost of genome sequencing has declined dramatically, Sanger sequencing still retains practical and economic advantages for applications in conservation biology. To identify global data gaps and facilitate the application of genetic data in future genetic monitoring, this study searched the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database for Cytochrome b (Cyt b ) and Cytochrome Oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequences of all species listed in the Handbook of the Birds of the World (HBW v7.0), and calculated their genetic diversity. The study found that 4052 bird species had at least three available sequences of either Cyt b or COI. These species are mainly distributed in Europe, northern North America, and parts of East Asia, North Asia, and northern Africa, whereas South America, South Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and eastern and northwestern Australia has limited available genetic diversity data. The Cyt b sequence data is entirely absent in groups such as Pterocliformes and Cariamiformes, whereas COI gene data are particularly lacking in Leptosomiformes and Opisthocomiformes. Notably, both genes are completely missing in Musophagiformes and Mesitornithiformes. This uneven distribution of genetic diversity data hinders the development of effective conservation strategies, as such gaps impede the integration of genetic diversity into extinction risk assessments across species. This study highlights priority geographic regions and key evolutionary lineages for future genetic diversity assessments. Despite the inherent limitations of maternally inherited mitochondrial markers, which cannot stand for genome-wide nuclear genetic variation, this study represents the most comprehensive avian genetic diversity dataset currently available. It therefore provides an important baseline for incorporating genetic diversity into extinction risk assessments and for advancing long-term genetic monitoring efforts in birds.

Understanding the genome-wide diversity of jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) is crucial for unlocking the potential of global genebank collections, enabling the discovery and use of traits that support climate resilience, improve nutrition, and increase productivity. Using 23,471 high-quality diversity array technology sequencing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), this study assessed the genetic diversity, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) of 607 accessions. Moderate genetic diversity was detected with a total gene diversity of 0.28, an expected heterozygosity of 0.26, and a Shannon index of 0.42. Four distinct genetic clusters were identified, reflecting geographic patterns, where Cluster 1 (n=62) and Cluster 4 (n=354) were predominantly composed of West African accessions. An analysis of molecular variance revealed significant genetic structuring (p<0.001), with most genetic variation occurring within countries (45.2%), followed by within individuals (32.5%), while differentiation among clusters accounted for 18.2% and variation among regions was minimal (2.9%). LD revealed low genome-wide r2 values (mean=0.028; r2 90=0.067) and a very rapid decay (LD50 ≈ 1bp), with only 4.2% of SNP pairs showing significant LD (r2>0.1, p<0.05), indicating extensive historical recombination. The findings suggest that a significant portion of the existing genetic variation remains untapped in breeding. Strategic conservation of the unique genetic variants through core and mini-core collections, coupled with targeted crosses among diverse regional accessions, can broaden the genetic base and support the development of resilient, high-yielding, and nutrient-rich dual-purpose varieties (i.e., leafy vegetables and industrial fibers) across diverse environments.

Rethinking classical swine fever virus phylogenetics: NS3 Outperforms traditional gene markers.

Genetic diversity and population structure analyses of banana (Musa species) germplasm collections from Ethiopia using ISSR markers

Molecular epidemiological characterization of invasive extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from infants less than 3 months old in East Asia.

Molecular characteristics, epidemiological trends, and public health implications of human metapneumovirus (hMPV): a review.

Genetic diversity and population structure within Kankrej Cattle: Insights from genome-wide SNP analysis

Red blood cell membrane protein polymorphisms related to risk of malaria infection in the population living in malaria-endemic areas of Thailand: An analytic cross-sectional study.

Circulation and overwintering of Usutu virus lineages in north-eastern Spain: A one health perspective (2021-2025).

Access to CAR-T therapy in Latin America: Barriers, gaps, and pathways forward.

Influenza viruses show clear seasonality in temperate regions, while circulation in tropical countries is less well defined. This study characterised the seasonality, genetic diversity, antigenicity, vaccine match and antiviral susceptibility of influenza A and B viruses in Mauritius from 2009 to 2016. A total of 10612 patients were enrolled through the National Influenza Surveillance Programme. Influenza virus detection was performed by rRT-PCR and virus isolation. Antigenicity was assessed using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays against viruses and reference antisera. HA and NA sequences were analysed for phylogenetic relationships, amino acid substitutions and neuraminidase inhibitor resistance markers. Influenza was detected in 18.1% (1917/10612) of cases, with similar proportions among ILI and SARI cases. A/H1N1pdm09 predominated in 2009, 2010 and 2014 whereas A/H3N2 dominated in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016. Influenza B prevailed in 2011 with co-circulation of both B/Yamagata and B/Victoria lineages in 2016. A/H1N1pdm09 remained antigenically similar to A/California/7/2009 vaccine strain. A/H3N2 isolates demonstrated reduced reactivity to egg-propagated vaccine strains. Influenza B viruses showed gradual antigenic drift. All viruses were phenotypically susceptible to oseltamivir and zanamivir. Mauritius exhibits year-round circulation of influenza viruses with ongoing antigenic drift, supporting the need for continued influenza surveillance.

Genetic diversity and evolutionary insights of bicarbonate transporters in aquatic thermophilic cyanobacteria

Genetic diversity of Trichomonas vaginalis may reveal weak pathogenicity of predominant isolates.

Viral isolation and genomic characteristics of the first bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 isolated from water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in China.

Integrative genomic analysis and gene expression patterns reveal a cardio-neuroendocrine signaling network for heat adaptation in geographically diverse chickens.

Genetic variation of 15 autosomal STR loci in the southern region population of KSA: A forensic DNA analysis study.

In 2024, Andalusia (Southern Spain) reported its largest recent West Nile virus (WNV) outbreak, with 106 confirmed human cases and 16 deaths. Genomic analysis of 27 WNV isolates revealed the co-circulation of multiple WNV lineage 1 clades, including both endemic and recently introduced strains, reflecting a marked increase in viral genetic diversity. These findings underscore the critical role of integrated genomic surveillance systems in monitoring pathogen evolution and supporting timely public health responses to emerging zoonotic threats.

Ensuring superior quality is of paramount objective in modern rice (Oryza sativa L.) breeding program and investigating quality traits is crucial for developing superior rice varieties. The current study aimed for identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and potential candidate genes for eleven quality traits, namely, hulling %, milling %, kernel length, kernel breadth, kernel length to breadth ratio, grain type, head rice recovery, chalkiness, amylose content, alkali spreading value, and gel consistency, using genome-wide association studies (GWASs) on diverse germplasm sourced from various rice-growing regions around the world. Phenotypic evaluation revealed significant genetic diversity among germplasm, with substantial natural variation observed across 10 quality-related traits. GWAS using 7K SNP chip identified 31 SNPs significantly linked to grain quality traits, of which 20 were novel and 11 had been previously reported, including two co-localized SNPs (GS3 and SNP-6.6652023) associated with multiple traits. In addition, 121 candidate genes related with these traits were identified and categorized into seven molecular functions, four cellular components, and nine biological processes. Notably, 17 putative grain quality-related genes were identified, viz., GS3 (Grain size regulator), Wx (granule-bound starch synthase), OsZIP7 (ZIP family protein), OsRING4 (RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase), OsMKK3 (Mitogen-activated protein kinase), OsSSIV-2, OsSSIIa/SSII-3 (ALK; soluble starch synthase), and OsbZIP58 (bZIP transcription factor). The identified SNPs and potential candidate genes represent a valuable genomic resource for accelerating rice breeding programs focused on the enhancement of key quality traits.

Genomic comparison of Leptospira interrogans isolated from humans, dogs, and wild and feral animals in Japan.

Cattle's milk and derivatives are essential for human nutrition. However, up to 90% of people experience gastrointestinal discomfort after consumption. Milk digestibility depends on its protein composition. Casein, about 80% of milk proteins, includes beta-casein (CSN2) with two variants: A1 and A2. The A1 variant is linked to gastrointestinal issues, while A2 is easier to digest. Therefore, some dairy farms now market A2 milk from cattle homozygous for the A2 allele. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of the CSN2 gene in Brown Swiss and Creole cattle in the Andes of Peru (Junín, Huánuco, Pasco, Ayacucho and Puno). Blood from 445 Brown Swiss and 190 Creole was collected, DNA extracted with a commercial kit, and genotyped using the Axiom Bovine v3 SNP array. The distribution of A1 and A2 alleles and genotypes showed variation across breeds and regions, likely influenced by local breeding practices and selection programs. In Brown Swiss, the average A2 allele frequency was 0.66 (0.60 to 0.73) and the genotypic frequencies of A2A2 was 0.43 (0.35 to 0.52) and the A1A2 frequency was 0.45 (ranged from 0.41 to 0.50). In Creole, the A2 allele frequency was 0.60 (0.55 to 0.66), and the A1A2 genotypic frequency was 0.53 (0.49 to 0.56), being the most common. In conclusion, the frequency of the A2 allele was high in Creole but intermediate in Brown Swiss. These results suggest that the Brown Swiss and Creole have a favorable genetic potential for A2 milk production in the Highlands of Peru.