eDNA

DNA sucked into air filters can reveal what plants and animals are nearby

Scientists discover air quality monitoring stations are collecting urgently needed biodiversity data

An international team of researchers has discovered that thousands of ambient air quality monitoring stations around the world are unwittingly recording more than just atmospheric pollutants and dust: they are also likely collecting biodiversity data in the form of environmental DNA (eDNA). Until now it was thought that the infrastructure for monitoring biodiversity and national and global scales does not exist.

DNA from air could revolutionize the way we measure animal biodiversity, say scientists

Two new studies published today in the journal Current Biology show that environmental DNA (eDNA) collected from air can be used to detect a wide range of animal species and offers a novel, non-invasive approach to monitoring biodiversity.