Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to the genetic material shed by organisms into their environment. This DNA can be collected from environmental samples such as water, soil, air, or sediment, and analyzed to detect the presence of species (1). Organisms release eDNA through processes like skin shedding, feces, or saliva. eDNA is transforming the way we monitor ecosystems and detect species. Beyond its use in biodiversity assessments, eDNA is employed in conservation efforts, invasive species tracking, and ecological health evaluations (2). However, challenges in standardizing eDNA sampling methods and analysis still affect the quality and consistency of data, and broad-scale best practices are being developed to improve reliability. Techniques such as qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction), digital PCR (ddPCR), and NGS (next-generation sequencing) significantly improve the precision and efficiency of eDNA analysis.
At GenXmap, we leverage these cutting-edge technologies to provide precise genetic data from environmental samples, enabling better insights into species distribution, ecosystem dynamics, and supporting more informed environmental decision-making.
Stay tuned for the next monthly blog from GenXmap, where we continue to explore cutting-edge advancements in -omics field and its applications in scientific and medical field.
References:
(1) Djurhuus, A., Closek, C.J., Kelly, R.P. et al. Environmental DNA reveals seasonal shifts and potential interactions in a marine community. Nat Commun 11, 254 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-14105-1
(2) Ashish Sahu, Neelesh Kumar, Chandra Pal Singh, Mahender Singh, Environmental DNA (eDNA): Powerful technique for biodiversity conservation. Journal for Nature Conservation, Volume 71 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126325
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