Genetic Memory

Biobanking: Preserving our global genetic resources

Cell banking:
This is important because without action we will forever loose access to the precious resource and biodiversity critical to our long term survival. Genetic resources are often lost with the death of an individual animal, when gone they cannot be recovered.

This project is aimed at the Preservation of valuable genetic resources:

We are in an Extinction CRISIS
35+% of all species are endangered.

More than 60% decline in the wild animal population since 1970.

Cryopreservation stops the clock. Cells have been stored for 50+years and can restore genetics from individuals and contribute to species rescue.
Cells can be obtained from live or recently deceased individuals; even from urine. Interspecies ecosystem dynamics, can be immensely effected by the presence of a keystone species. Saving cells allows us the possibility of better understanding and even restoring balance to these systems when lost.

What we can save: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Fish, Plants and Humans. Our initial focus is on mammals as many are critically endangered and we have the technology to assist in many cases.

Human cell banking: Many reasons exist for preservation of human cells and other tissues, both for our own benefit with medical advances, as well as the pursuit of knowledge.

The process (above right) is to obtain tissue, culture cells and cryopreserve them so they can be used in the future. Storage takes place in liquid nitrogen tanks which are to be maintained weekly. To use, samples are retrieved, cells are grown, numbers can be expanded and used for various purposes.

Backup sites are vital in case of: War, earthquakes, civil unrest, a break in the supply of N2(l) etc. We recommend a second local storage cite and one or more out of country.

Phase 1. If initiated, would be to commence the collection and storage of tissue from multiple individuals of endangered species and from socially or commercially valuable animal sources. The more critically endangered species will take focus, as the risk of their permanent loss is most acute. Simultaneously valuable individuals from dairy, racing and other areas will also be sought out, these may enable future commercialization of the technology. Once a repository exists cells would be expanded
and sent to backup sites to insure the continuation of the samples.

Phase 2: After preserving cells, techniques for establishing production of offspring from cryopreserved cells will continue. This is important because modern reproductive methods require a very similar host, which is often not available in endangered species.
Once the biobank is established, alternative methods for the storage of biological material, including methods to develop high temperature (20C) storage may be undertaken.

The basic illustration (above) illustrates how stored cells may be used, such as somatic cell nuclear transfer or genetic sequencing. Additionally we would like to continue
Noninvasive methods to derive cell lines
(urine, milk, mucous and other tissues and excretions)

Alternative storage methods for cells, gametes and embryos
(Using vitrification and desiccation to stabilize cells without extreme low temperatures)

Generation of gametes & In vitro embryo production
(iPSCs, cellular differentiation and other methods)

In vitro and in vivo reproduction.
(Cloning, IVF, Embryo Transfer, etc.)

Import & export of valuable species
(Zoo, institute and government connections)

“One day the value of every country will be defined by the nature they hold.

When nature becomes a currency its scarcity and value become more important and its true value diminished.”

This simple and low-cost project could benefit both the present and future generations for 100s of years to come

*Imagine, if cells from the animals existed, we could one day again see these extinct species.

Mission

To preserve and provide services for the preservation of biodiversity. With genetic resources we have the present and future capability of maintaining or restoring diversity, from medicine to ecology and agriculture the importance of preservation cannot be overstated.

Vision

We aim to have a repository from which the diversity of life can be maintained. To relegate extinction to history and provide a repository for life and its many wonders.