Handheld Device Creates Genetic Profiles From Airborne DNA With Astounding Speed
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Summary
Scientists at the University of Florida have developed a handheld device able to create an airborne genetic profile of animals and plants in a given location.
Researchers used the device to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) in the Florida coastal forests and Dublin, where it was able to detect different species of animals, plants, viruses, and illicit drugs.
While the device could be used for conservation efforts and the detection of viruses, its potential could also be misused, its creators warn, adding that it could be used to harvest airborne human DNA, for example.
With the help of cloud computing and deep sequencing, the device’s size has been reduced, while its effectiveness has increased, making it a promising tool for field research.
“It seems like science fiction, but it’s becoming science fact,” said David Duffy, a study author.
