Citizen Scientists Join Researchers in Groundbreaking Global DNA Collection Project
The LeDNA project is set to create the largest collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) ever gathered from aquatic environments in a single day, providing a comprehensive snapshot of global biodiversity. Citizen scientists are teaming up with researchers to collect DNA samples from hundreds of lakes across the globe, with over 500 individuals from 101 countries participating in the initiative. Environmental DNA has been instrumental in detecting endangered species and is considered a valuable asset for biodiversity monitoring, although researchers acknowledge its limitations.
Spider Webs as Traps for Environmental DNA
Spider webs, often associated with catching flies, have been found to be a useful trap for environmental DNA, offering a potential breakthrough for environmental scientists. The discovery that spider webs can capture fragments of skin, hair cells, or body fluids…