TOPICS

    On January 2021, we held the 2nd summer course of genomic informatics entitled “Introduction to Transcriptomic Analysis” at University of La Frontera (UFRO) as a training course for experimental biological students and researchers. Course contents covered topics of genome informatics ranging from basic to practical issues. We developed a program that combines lectures, demonstrations, exercises and hands-on session and final presentation so that participants can effectively acquire knowledge and skills.      Professor Andrés Ávila (UFRO), Dr. Mikihiko Kawai (Kyoto University), and Giovanni Larama (UFRO) were in charge of the program, and gave lectures in corporation with invited speakers, Professor Fumito Maruyama (Hiroshima University) and Dr. Enrique Ostria-Gallardo […]

   At the beginning of January 2021 our SATREPS MACH team has updated project  brochure in English available for all public.     SATREPS MACH English Brochures (for general public)  

  At the beginning of December 2020 our SATREPS MACH team has prepared project brochures in English and Spanish (two version) available for all public. SATREPS MACH English Brochures SATREPS MACH Spanish Brochures (for general public) SATREPS MACH Spanish Brochures (for researches etc)

  On 3-6th November 2020, as a part of the SATREPS MACH project, Dr. Nagai from the National Research Institute of Fisheries Science visited the Environmental Genomics and Ecology Laboratory of Hiroshima University.   The purpose of his visit was to quickly detect possible algicidal bacteria and utilize the information for algae bloom regression. To do so, we aimed to examine bloom samples for bacterial DNA amplification, purification, and DNA sequencing of sample bacteria by a NGS (next generation sequencer) within 15 hours.   In this experiment, the time required for the whole process to test 18 samples was 10 hours, successfully achieving the 15 hours goal. The time can […]

  In November 2020, Chilean and Japanese researchers in the MACH project published a research paper entitled “Suitcase Lab: New portable and deployable equipment for rapid detection of specific harmful algae in Chilean coastal waters” in Environmental Science and Pollution Research.   This paper introduces the process of water sampling from the field, DNA extraction, and LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) to detect the target harmful algae (Alexandrium catenella as a model species which is a major problem in Chile) was performed in 2 hours.   Detection of harmful algae species using a suitcase lab was previously introduced on our website (https://www.mach-satreps.org/topics/news/20190403_872/). We are greatful to announce that the results were […]

  On October 23th, 2020, Chilean and Japanese researchers associated with MACH project released a research protocol entitled “16S and 18S metabarcoding analysis for Chilean coastal waters harmful algal blooms” on the website: protocol.io.   This protocol describes the metagenome section of our other publication (Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020, 17(20). doi:10.3390/ijerph17207642) in much more details so that the operation of the section is repeated correctly. The protocol was established based on the hands-on metabarcoding analysis through our current monitoring program.   This protocol is released as “Open Access” and can be obtained from the following site. Please click here for details. https://www.protocols.io/view/16s-and-18s-metabarcoding-analysis-for-chilean-coa-bnvime4e.pdf    

On October 20th, 2020, Chilean and Japanese researchers associated with the MACH project published a research article entitled “Protocols for Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms for Sustainable Aquaculture and Coastal Fisheries in Chile” in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. This article represents the project’s first milestone: the standardization of Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) monitoring methodologies from several perspectives, including physical, chemical, microbiological, and molecular biological water sample analyses. All the project members diligently contributed to establishing the protocols and performing field and laboratory studies with compliance with the protocol to deliver the results. The article focuses on Chilean HAB monitoring; however, this step-wise standardized protocol is beneficial […]

On Friday, September 11th 2020, The Project MACH was introduced in the television program “Exploradores”, transmitted at national level by Chilean National Television (TVN). The Director of the Project, Prof. Milko Jorquera from Universidad de La Frontera (UFRO) and Dr. Cristián Segura from Technological Institute of Mitiliculture (INTEMIT) were interviewed. In the program, the importance of Project MACH, which as a main goal the development of Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) prediction, was highlighted and its social contribution to the Chilean aquaculture and fishery industry.   Hers is the link of “Exploradores” program on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yea6EPPK5Xc&feature=youtu.be    

    During early August 2020, the Mobil Laboratory (Labobus) for scientific and outreach activities in the frame of SATREPS MACH project have arrived at UFRO. Labobus has entirely been financed by SATREPS MACH project and will be maintained and operated by UFRO.      The vehicle has been accessorized with big logos of MACH project. Actually, all the necessary equipment to make analysis and DNA sequence of sea water sample has been purchased to install inside the Labobus.     The main purpose of the Labobus is to on board quick DNA sequence of algal species that cause Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) at coast side of Chile and in […]

　The ecosystem anomalies observed in Chilean coastal waters in recent years, especially outbreaks or harmful algae bloom (HAB). The HAB are currently a threat to the Chilean aquaculture industry, as well as to the marine ecosystem of a larger area. Episodes of large-scale fish mortality caused by HAB occurred in the Los Lagos region during March and May 2016, where the accumulation of paralyzing toxin in filtered seafood from natural and farmed shallows caused by a HAB was almost observed, damaging both to artisanal fishing and aquaculture, generating public health alert. In this way, it is urgent to carry out detailed investigations to counteract these damages, particularly those related to […]