This is a significant expansion for us: new taxa, new ecosystems, new partners. And we're already thinking about what a terrestrial cohort looks like next.
Each project was selected for innovative use of biotechnology, strong ties to restoration practitioners, and a clear pathway from research to real-world application.
The cohort spans mangroves, kelp forests, seagrass meadows, salt marshes, marine microbes, macroalgae, and sea turtles across the US, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Australia.
When we put out the call, we received 160 Letters of Intent requesting $52M+ in funding, more than 15x our available funding. The need for this work is real.
His TED talk on dextinction in 2013 launched our mission and continues to inspire scientists and conservationists committed to enhancing biodiversity and restoring ecosystems through the genetic rescue of endangered and extinct species. Thank you @stewartbrand! @guardian
A terrific profile of our co-founder & board member. In addition to being "a writer, an editor, a publisher, a soldier, a photojournalist, an LSD evangelist, an events organiser, a future-planning consultant, even a government adviser..." Stewart is an inspiration to our team.
Congratulations to Jaime David Ortiz, @DarwinFound, and the entire research team.
This is what happens when local expertise meets genomics.
Read the open-access study: https://t.co/4x5i2LJccf
This complete genetic map gives scientists and managers powerful new tools to:
- Track genetic diversity across populations
- Detect early signs of climate stress
- Make smarter decisions about sustainable fishing limits
- Guide recovery efforts with genomic precision
"By assembling the genome of the brown sea cucumber, we now have a detailed picture of how this species functions at a molecular level," said Ortiz.
"This allows us to study genetic diversity, adaptation, and resilience in ways that were simply not possible before."
The brown sea cucumber (Isostichopus fuscus) plays a critical role in marine ecosystems: recycling nutrients and protecting coral reefs.
But decades of overfishing have collapsed populations across the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
Scientists have completed the first full genome of an endangered sea cucumber, opening new doors for marine conservation in Galápagos and beyond.
We're proud to have supported this critically foundational work. 🧵👇
Led by Jaime David Ortiz, a Galápagos native and Cornell PhD candidate, this study delivers the first high-quality genome for ANY endangered sea cucumber worldwide.
GAIA (Genomic AI Applications) launch in NYC!
We're building AI tools to democratize genomic conservation: → Genome assembly in minutes (not weeks) → AI advisor for genetic rescue recommendations.
Thanks to @BezosEarthFund & @Googleorg for supporting this work.
Congratulations to our co-founder @stewartbrand on his new book Maintenance: Of Everything, Part One, an exploration of the complex systems that propel our lives, including nature. We’re already looking forward to Part Two.
Out now: https://t.co/XDtvD94rCj
@stewartbrand's Maintenance: Of Everything, Part One—about the continuous repair work that keeps complex systems intact, spanning stories from a round-the-world sailboat race, to the restoration of the Statue of Liberty, to the Model T’s rise.
Out now: https://t.co/XDtvD94rCj
@stewartbrand's Maintenance: Of Everything, Part One—about the continuous repair work that keeps complex systems intact, spanning stories from a round-the-world sailboat race, to the restoration of the Statue of Liberty, to the Model T’s rise.
What a week! Our annual strategy retreat was everything we needed—thoughtful conversations, compelling debates, and genuine connection. Grateful for this team and energized to support our partners as we lead the genetic rescue community into 2026.