FREE! Identification and DNA sequencing of your favourite scyphozoan - if you find a jellyfish and would like to know what it is and about it's DNA, then send pictures and a sample to us! We will identify the animals to the best of our ability as well as sequence molecular markers including "genetic barcodes" from the mitochondrial (16S rDNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) and nuclear (18S, 28S, and other markers in the future) genomes, then send the information to you. All you need to do is follow the simple instructions below ...
Preserve the remainder of the specimen for morphological analyses (optional, but highly preferred)
Provide information about the collection
CONDITIONS:
While we will endeavour to provide sequence data to you in a timely manner,
turnaround will depend upon resources at the time. We expect that samples will
be processed in less than one month in only exceptional circumstances. A more
realistic expectation is 2-6 months, but sometimes longer as laboratory facilities
may change from time to time. As resources are established and subsequently
increased we hope to provide a more efficient service. Depending on your needs,
arrangements can be made on a case by case basis. Please contact us if you have
any questions.
We will attempt to sequence all species submitted, but success cannot be guaranteed. Our ability to generate sequence data will depend on the quality of the sample and whether existing techniques work for that species. If techniques don't work initially, we will attempt to modify them appropriately, but this will take time and sometimes may not be successful if resources (e.g. samples, time) are limited. Also, due to financial restrictions, we will only be able to sequence one or two jellyfish per species per location or region. If you would like to know whether we will sequence your samples before you send them, please contact us here. It may be possible to arrange a subset of analyses.
Submission of samples implicitly gives us the right to use the sequences, including, but not limited to, publication on this site and in the scientific literature. Our intention is to advance knowledge of the scyphozoans as broadly as possible. If this might conflict with your immediate interests, please do not hesitate to discuss the matter with us. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with anyone interested in these animals and may forego this condition in the interests of progress. All contributors to all studies will be acknowledged.