by James Cook University

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Scientists believe the lives of much of the world's population could be improved if DNA technology is applied in an integrated way in three areas critical to the tropics.

Matt Field is an Associate Professor in Bioinformatics at James Cook University. He was lead author of a JCU-based study that looked at solutions to challenges involving health, biodiversity, and food production for people living in the tropics.

He said by 2050, the tropics are projected to be home to more than 50% of the world's population and 80% of its biodiversity.

"However, these regions are relatively less developed economically, with agricultural productivity substantially lower than temperate zones, a large percentage of its population having limited health care options, and much of its biodiversity understudied and undescribed," said Dr. Field.

He said residents of the tropics are more likely to live in extreme poverty, with an average life expectancy of just 60 years across the region worldwide.

But Dr. Field said the booming science of genomics can help.

"Genomics focuses on the structure, function and evolution of an organism's complete set of DNA, including all of its genes."

"Coupled with the 'One Health' approach—which is an integrated, unifying process that balances and optimizes the health of people, animals and the environment—it can create long-term, sustainable solutions for many problems found in the tropics."

He said advances in technologies such as DNA sequencing and other high-throughput analytical methods are increasing data generation rates.

"Encouragingly, the positive impact of these technologies is growing across health, biodiversity and food production however challenges remain regarding sequencing cost, infrastructure and data sharing agreements," said Dr. Field.

He said an increasing number of research institutes are studying how best to apply molecular techniques to solve specific challenges in the tropics. The JCU-based Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics has been driving this work within Australia.

"By embracing the One Health approach, we can address some of the biggest challenges in the tropics across health, food production and biodiversity and improve the lives of almost half the world living in tropical regions," said Dr. Field.

The paper is published in the journal Globalization and Health.

More information: Andrew Calcino et al, Harnessing genomic technologies for one health solutions in the tropics, Globalization and Health (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s12992-024-01083-3

Provided by James Cook University