Background: Cancer cell lines are invaluable model systems for biomedical research because they provide an almost unlimited supply of biological materials. However, there is considerable skepticism regarding the reproducibility of data derived from these in vitro models.Recent findings: Chromosomal instability (CIN) is one of the primary issues associated with cell lines, which can cause genetic heterogeneity and unstable cell properties within a cell population. Many of these problems can be avoided with some precautions. Here we review the underlying causes of CIN, including merotelic attachment, telomere dysfunction, DNA damage response defects, mitotic checkpoint defects and cell cycle disturbances.Conclusion: In this review we summarize studies highlighting the consequences of CIN in various cell lines and provide suggestions on monitoring and controlling CIN during cell culture.

We report the draft genome sequence of a high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus found in a brown skua ( Stercorarius antarcticus ) on Torgersen Island, which was detected and sequenced in situ using a portable laboratory while in Antarctica.

This report details investigations into nine cases of neurological disease and/or sudden death in 8-13-week-old puppies between 2021 and 2024. Aside from two pairs of littermates, cases were unrelated. The puppies had an onset of clinical signs 9-23 days following at least one "on-label" dose of a commercially available quadrivalent vaccine containing live attenuated canine distemper virus (CDV). Eight of the nine cases displayed signs typical of "classic distemper," including seizures, circling, tremors, hypersalivation, progressive neurological deficits, pyrexia, and/or respiratory and gastrointestinal signs. Pathological and molecular investigations were undertaken in eight cases. Mononuclear/lymphohistiocytic encephalitis or meningoencephalitis with or without neuronal intranuclear inclusion bodies was present in seven cases. Five cases had bronchopneumonia. Other lesions included poliomyelitis, necrotising enteritis and myocardial necrosis or myocarditis. PCR for CDV was positive on tissues from seven cases, and immunohistochemistry for CDV was positive on neural tissues in six cases. Whole genome sequencing of PCR amplicons demonstrated a Rockborn-like strain with 99.9% homogeneity between samples from four cases and a vial of vaccine. Based on the combination of case history, pathological findings, molecular test results and/or whole genome sequencing, a diagnosis of post-vaccinal canine distemper was confirmed in six cases and presumed in two. Outbreaks of canine distemper have been stemmed by widespread vaccination starting in the mid-twentieth century. Consequently, confirmed cases of natural CDV have not been reported in New Zealand since an outbreak in the 1980s, and CDV is considered a "notifiable organism" as per the Biosecurity Act 1993. This is the first case series to report genomic investigation of post-vaccinal canine distemper in New Zealand puppies and highlights a rare adverse event associated with routine vaccination. Our results suggest that puppies with neurological, respiratory and/or gastrointestinal disease with an onset within 6 weeks of vaccination with live attenuated CDV should be reported and investigated accordingly.

We report the draft genome sequence of a strain of canine distemper virus detected in New Zealand fur seals ( Arctocephalus forsteri ). A high-quality draft consensus genome was produced through a combination of long- and short-read metagenomic sequencing approaches. Phylogenetic analysis confirms that the virus is a divergent strain of canine distemper virus.

We report the genome sequence of a high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus ( Alphainfluenzavirus, Orthomyxoviridae ), subtyped as H7N6, sampled on a poultry farm November 2024 in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island. The genome was sequenced with Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology.

We report the draft genome sequence of Babesia gibsoni detected in a domestic dog in New Zealand. A high-quality near-complete genome, comprised of an apicoplast, mitochondrion, and four chromosomes, was produced through long-read metagenomic sequencing.