Science
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Makes Insane Discoveries From Thin Air
Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Dr. Darren Chooneea from London’s Natural History Museum is the epitome of a cool scientist. He holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology, is an expert on environmental DNA (eDNA), and likes to wear earrings and lace-up boots.
He is one of the participants of the inspirational Darwin Tree of Life project, which aims to detect new species, and his job now includes sequencing DNA found in the air to gather data about how changes in the atmosphere could be affecting us.
Organisms release DNA into the air all the time. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a method used to detect DNA in the air, or in an aquatic environment.
It turns out that doing this has led to some remarkable discoveries.
The Past, Present, and Future Can Be Found in the Air
DNA sequencing and cloning technologies are already being used to learn remarkable things from nature, and now, Dr. Darren Chooneea has a device that detects life in the air.
His air sequencing method has not only identified fungi and bacteria but even human DNA that may have existed for years. Dr. Chooneea himself says he was surprised by the quality of the results he got.
He believes that our air can teach us about the past and about the future. He hunts for environmental DNA to make his dream of a more secure and sustainable future for humanity a reality.
eDNA sampling and monitoring have made some crucial discoveries in the past, many of which have come from studying water.
Species Detection Using Environmental DNA
Environmental DNA can help scientists understand and document diverse ecosystems. The sampling and monitoring methods used may help lead to the discovery of rare or even new species. By developing a deeper understanding of critical habitats, eDNA has also helped scientists preserve threatened species.
This has been the case for the angel shark, a rare and endangered species of shark that used to be found in abundance throughout the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic Sea.
By using new eDNA monitoring and sampling technology, researchers have been able to confirm that angel sharks are still alive and well in at least seven different places along the Mediterranean island of Corsica.
eDNA can also help detect invasive species before they cause ecological and economic damage. In fact, eDNA sampling is more cost-efficient than other survey methods, making it a tool that sits at the base of environment management and regulatory decisions.
In the future, many expect that environmental DNA technology will play an important role in better managing the ecosystem’s health while also monitoring endangered and elusive species.
eDNA Sampling Can Identify Hotspots for Viruses
Scientists use eDNA for gene taxonomy to better understand the relationships between species. These insights can help us understand pathogens and viruses and help develop innovative medical treatments.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental DNA was used to monitor the quality and health of water systems to identify potentially affected communities. This allowed scientists to predict virus outbursts so that they could be better mitigated.
It is gaining these important insights that motivate Dr. Chooneea every day.
IC Inspiration
Turns out that DNA in the air can predict events that may have a major impact on society.
Imagine if farmers could know in advance of the danger from invasive fungi or pests, and then prepare to mitigate the risk for crops.
What if we could detect the event of another pandemic before it becomes widespread?
After all, If we could personalize medical treatment to match a specific person’s DNA, then is that so far-fetched?
What may sound like a fantasy Hollywood film may soon become a reality.
It is researchers Like Dr. Chooneea, who are determined to capture bio material out of thin air, which takes molecular biology research to new frontiers. If Darwin’s work first created awareness of biodiversity, it is eDNA sequencing and research that continues this line of work on a whole new level.
Changing the way we study nature to conserve it and leverage biotechnology is the goal of the Darwin Tree of Life project. It is only one of several initiatives to sequence all life on Earth.
New technologies for DNA capturing and sequencing are giving rise to more refined technology. What took days 30 years ago, now takes only hours. Innovative computation and AI-driven tools can help us gain a deeper understanding of the natural world.
This research lies at the base of new biotechnology developments that will help preserve the earth and enhance sustainability and human well-being.
The depth of this scientific research, the innovative tools that enable it, and the groundbreaking products and services it can lead to are truly motivational, and awe-inspiring.