A genomic network to monitor Earth (original) (raw)

• Correspondence
• Published: 11 January 2012

Sequencing data

Nature volume 481, page 145 (2012)Cite this article

• 1967 Accesses
• 20 Citations
• 18 Altmetric
• Metrics details

Subjects

We propose that a network of genomic observatories should be established to take the planet's 'biological pulse'. We invite participants to assist in the shaping of this network (see genomicobservatories.org).

DNA sequences are becoming core components of Earth-monitoring systems, and data output is soaring from genomics and other observing technologies. But sequence data alone are of limited value without the context of time and location.

Genomic observatories would integrate genomic information with environmental, socio-ecological and other biological data. Sequencing model ecosystems would accelerate ecological understanding.

Despite reduced sequencing costs, genomic studies are still expensive to analyse and interpret, and the expense of field collection of DNA samples remains incompressible. Genomic observatories would consolidate these efforts.

These observatories must be supported by field stations, marine labs, museums, standards organizations, research networks and sequencing centres. They should be established at existing scientifically important sites.

Author information

Author notes

1. On behalf of The Genomic Observatories Network (see Supplementary Information for a list of co-authors).

Authors and Affiliations

1. Gump South Pacific Research Station, University of California Berkeley, Moorea, French Polynesia
   Neil Davies
2. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford
   Dawn Field
3. University of Oxford, UK
   Dawn Field

Authors

1. Neil Davies
   You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
2. Dawn Field
   You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
3. The Genomic Observatories Network
   You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence toDawn Field.

Supplementary Information

Rights and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Davies, N., Field, D. & The Genomic Observatories Network A genomic network to monitor Earth.Nature 481, 145 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/481145a

Download citation

• Published: 11 January 2012
• Issue Date: 12 January 2012
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/481145a

This article is cited by