AirDNA – Scientists Find Way To Collect Human DNA From Air

It has been detected previously that animals shed DNA, known as eDNA from their bodies into the environment. It was also previously detected in water, snow and soil, but not in the air. Now, scientists have found that human and animal DNA can be collected from air too. Scientists say this study can prove beneficial in studying contagious diseases like COVID-19, elusive animals, criminal investigations, forensic science and archaeology.

If a criminal is suspected to have been present on the crime scene, his DNA in the air can revealed his identity. Environmental DNA shed by any person’s body (eDNA) will be captured easily by sucking air from a room and pumped through an ultra-fine filter.

A senior lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, Dr Elizabeth Clare, set about determining if environmental DNA can be filtered from air.

As per the study, naked mole-rat DNA was found from the air of the room where they were housed in.

Human DNA from the mole rats carers were ide...

Limited Time

Full Access

$10
Monthly

Included:

  • Access to All Articles.
  • One Plan. No Tiers.
  • No Ads.
  • Cancel anytime.
register now

 
Do you have a tip or sensitive material to share with GGI? Are you a journalist, researcher or independent blogger and want to write for us? You can reach us at [email protected].