Plants of the Cannabis genus are the only prolific producers of phytocannabinoids, compounds that strongly interact with the evolutionarily ancient endocannabinoid receptors shared by most bilaterian taxa. For millennia, the plant has been cultivated not only for these compounds, but also for food, rope, paper, and clothing. Today, specialized varieties yielding high-quality textile fibers, nutritional seed oil, or high cannabinoid content are cultivated across the globe. However, the genetic identities and histories of these diverse populations remain largely obscured. We analyzed the nuclear genomic diversity among 340 Cannabis varieties, including fiber and seed oil hemp, high cannabinoid drug-types, and feral populations. These analyses demonstrate the existence of at least three major groups of diversity with European hemp varieties more closely related to narrow leaflet drug-types (NLDTs) than to broad leaflet drug-types (BLDTs). The BLDT group appears to encompass less diversity than the NLDT, which reflects the larger geographic range of NLDTs, and suggests a more recent origin of domestication of the BLDTs. As well as being genetically distinct, hemp, NLDT, and BLDT genetic groups produce unique cannabinoid and terpenoid content profiles. This combined analysis of population genomic and trait variation informs our understanding of the potential uses of different genetic variants for medicine and agriculture, providing valuable insights and tools for a rapidly emerging valuable industry.

The mammalian olfactory system displays species-specific adaptations to different ecological niches. To investigate the evolutionary dynamics of olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) subtypes across mammalian evolution, we applied RNA sequencing of whole olfactory mucosa samples from mouse, rat, dog, marmoset, macaque, and human. We find that OSN subtypes, representative of all known mouse chemosensory receptor gene families, are present in all analyzed species. Further, we show that OSN subtypes expressing canonical olfactory receptors are distributed across a large dynamic range and that homologous subtypes can be either highly abundant across all species or species/order specific. Highly abundant mouse and human OSN subtypes detect odorants with similar sensory profiles and sense ecologically relevant odorants, such as mouse semiochemicals or human key food odorants. Together, our results allow for a better understanding of the evolution of mammalian olfaction in mammals and provide insights into the possible functions of highly abundant OSN subtypes.

25The mammalian olfactory system displays species-specific adaptations to different ecological 26 niches. To investigate the evolutionary dynamics of olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) sub-types 27 across 95 million years of mammalian evolution, we applied RNA-sequencing of whole olfactory 28 mucosa samples from mouse, rat, dog, marmoset, macaque and human. We find that OSN 29 subtypes representative of all known mouse chemosensory receptor gene families are present 30 in all analyzed species. Further, we show that OSN subtypes expressing canonical olfactory 31 receptors (ORs) are distributed across a large dynamic range and that homologous subtypes 32 can be either highly abundant across all species or species/order-specific. Interestingly, highly 33 abundant mouse and human OSN subtypes detect odorants with similar sensory profiles, and 34 sense ecologically relevant odorants, such as mouse semiochemicals or human key food 35 odorants. Taken together, our results allow for a better understanding of the evolution of 36 mammalian olfaction in mammals and provide insights into the possible functions of highly 37 abundant OSN subtypes in mouse and human. 38 39 3 MAIN TEXT 40

Kokumi taste is a well-accepted and characterised taste modality and is described as a sensation of enhancement of sweet, salty, and umami tastes. The Calcium Sensing Receptor (CaSR) has been designated as the putative kokumi taste receptor for humans, and a number of kokumi-active ligands of CaSR have been discovered recently with activity confirmed both in vivo and in vitro. Domestic cats (Felis catus) are obligate carnivores and accordingly, their diet is abundant in proteins, peptides, and amino acids. We hypothesised that CaSR is a key taste receptor for carnivores, due to its role in the detection of different peptides and amino acids in other species. Using in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches, here we compare human CaSR to that of a model carnivore, the domestic cat. We found broad similarities in ligand specificity, but differences in taste sensitivity between the two species. Indeed our in vivo data shows that cats are sensitive to CaCl2 as a kokumi compound, but don’t show this same activity with Glutathione, whereas for humans the reverse is true. Collectively, our data suggest that kokumi is an important taste modality for carnivores that drives the palatability of meat-derived compounds such as amino acids and peptides, and that there are differences in the perception of kokumi taste between carnivores and omnivores.

BackgroundThe Logan Hospital Pharmacy Department implemented a training framework (TF) for pharmacy technicians.AimThis study determined whether implementation of a TF for pharmacy technicians improved knowledge and consistency in pharmacy technician ward‐based services in a large secondary teaching hospital.MethodsThe study was conducted in two phases. The first phase involved defining competencies and developing a supporting TF. The Competency Handbook for Assistants and Technicians (CHAT) TF consists of observations, case discussions, feedback sessions and education modules. Questionnaires were developed based on the defined competencies to assess the knowledge component of the TF. The second phase of the study saw the implementation of the TF within the department. Practice was observed for each pharmacy technician prior to and following 6–12 months of training against the framework.ResultsImplementation of the TF demonstrated an improvement in both knowledge and consistency of practice. Of the 109 competencies developed, 90 were included for statistical analysis. All participants demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the ward‐based clinical support domain, the core component of advanced‐scope practice. Participants also demonstrated improved performance in their everyday duties. Although all participants trended towards overall improvement in the knowledge domain, this did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionImplementation of the CHAT TF delivered improved pharmacy technician knowledge and fostered greater consistency of practice. The results of this pilot study have created a platform for further research into structured development programs and career advancement pathways for pharmacy technicians within Australia.