They present the possibility of using genetic information from the air in a simple and effective way
2025/06/03 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria
A laboratory at the University of Florida has presented new ways to analyze DNA absorbed from the air and to take advantage of this information. In fact, the analysis of environmental DNA or eDNA provides abundant and very valuable data, and in recent years, this genetic information obtained from land or water is being exploited in different disciplines. The way DNA is collected, analyzed and applied in the air has now been openly presented in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.
According to the article, aerial DNA analysis can be used in areas such as: genetic study of human populations; genetic study of fauna, flora and fungi: genetic surveillance of pathogens; control of hosts and parasites; monitoring of resistant bacteria; control of pests; monitoring of allergens; study of biodiversity; as well as monitoring of some psychoactive substances such as cannabis.
The researchers confirm that the analysis is incredibly fast and efficient: a single researcher can process all the species present in the aerial DNA through simple and accessible instrumentation and software hosted in the cloud. This opens up many opportunities for advanced environmental studies and can be of great help in addressing current environmental problems. At the same time, however, they warn of the need to create ethical safeguards to ensure their proper use.
Gai honi buruzko eduki gehiago
Elhuyarrek garatutako teknologia
