Ice Age Squirrel Droppings Yield a Genomic Goldmine
The most widely covered Hakai-associated research story of the year so far took the media by storm this quarter. An international research team led by Tyler Murchie, a paleogenomics researcher at the Hakai Institute, analyzed frozen Arctic ground squirrel droppings (coprolites) dating back 30,000 to 700,000 years in the Yukon permafrost.
The study, published in Nature Communications, revealed a genomic treasure trove of Ice Age ecosystems—including the DNA of plants, woolly mammoths, bison, and horses—showing that these ancient squirrels even scavenged on large animal carcasses. The "time capsule" feces generated massive national and international media coverage:
Mainstream Media: The story was syndicated by The Canadian Press and featured by The New York Times, CBC News, and The Globe and Mail. You can read local pickups on CityNews Vancouver, NanaimoNewsNOW, and CKOM.
Science & Research Outlets: Deep-dive features on the discovery were published in Discover Magazine, Live Science, Smithsonian Magazine, Phys.org, and bioGraphic.
Institutional Announcements: Read the official research breakdowns from the Hakai Institute and McMaster University.
Unlocking the Mystery of Sea Star Wasting Disease
Scientists—including researchers from the Hakai Institute, Cornell University, and the University of British Columbia—have made a major breakthrough in tracking the uneven recovery of sea stars. Investigators have successfully linked the devastating mass die-offs along the Pacific coast to a specific bacterial strain (Vibrio pectenicida).
The breakthrough was featured broadly across networks, including coverage on WDEF News and MSN.
The wider tracking efforts were highlighted by the MARINE Network. Additionally, Hakai biologist Alyssa Gehman’s critical work with sunflower stars was featured as part of KUOW’s award-winning regional journalism coverage.
Hakai & Tula in the Public Eye
Beyond the headlines, our scientists, tools, and collaborations continued to make waves in public research and media:
Glacier Outburst Risks: Hakai’s Airborne Coastal Observatory (ACO) team has been conducting near-monthly mapping of Place Glacier in partnership with NRCan/GSC. Brian Menounos was featured on CBC News discussing a rapidly draining sub-glacial lake that poses an outburst risk to downslope trails in Poole Creek. Brian also appeared in a year-in-review feature by The Globe and Mail on how accelerating glacier loss is reshaping Canadian landscapes.
Fjord Landslide Threats: Dan Shugar was quoted by The Globe and Mail addressing the future dangers that giant tsunamis triggered by landslides pose to cruise ships navigating Alaskan fjords.
Cooperative Orca Hunting: Keith Holmes was involved in a fascinating marine study covered by CityNews Vancouver detailing how orcas and dolphins team up to cooperatively hunt salmon.
Philanthropy & Conservation: Tula Foundation co-founder Eric Peterson participated in a featured podcast discussion with Carleton University's MPNL program, focusing on philanthropy, environmental research, and the value of long-term conservation investments. You can listen to the interview on the Carleton University MPNL website.
New Publications & Research Updates
Snowpack Water Supply: A new study led by Rosie Bisset and Bill Floyd utilizes ACO data to measure snowpack and snow water equivalent. This research serves as the backbone for Vancouver Island University's operational snow surveys, directly helping regional districts (including Metro Vancouver, Nanaimo, and Comox Valley) plan for local water supply needs. Read the paper via the Water Resources Research journal portal.
Salish Sea Kelp Shifts: UVic PhD candidate and Hakai collaborator Brian Timmer published a new paper examining the loss and ecological shifts within kelp forest communities in the northern Salish Sea. Read the findings via the University of Victoria.
Breaking Research Silos: The Sentinels Alliance, an interdisciplinary collaboration involving Hakai, was featured for its innovative efforts in bridging the gaps between different scientific fields to better understand ecosystem change. Read the feature story on UBC News.