Museum specimens hold untapped genetic data
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Researchers at the Natural History Museum in London argue that systematically sequencing the genomes of specimens in museum collections worldwide would greatly advance scientific understanding.
Natural history collections contain over one billion specimens representing a vast range of species and time periods, including extinct and geographically transformed organisms. Currently, only 0.2% of known animals and plants have had their complete genomes sequenced, with a focus on vertebrates and species valued for economic reasons.
Systematic sequencing led by these collections would fill gaps in the tree of life and allow scientists to study organisms previously ignored. Projects already using extensive genomic data are revealing new information about topics like malaria and climate-resilient potatoes, and broader specimen sequencing could expand these possibilities. Linking genetic data to specimen characteristics, location, and time would create a valuable resource for conservation, biotechnology, and machine learning. The Natural History Museum’s Dr.
Paschalia Kapli explained that collections are often seen as sources of specimens, but could instead drive sequencing projects and unlock knowledge about overlooked species, potentially aiding extinction prevention, food security, and medicine development.
