DNAir - DNA in air for biodiversity monitoring

Detection of DNA traces from animals and plants in environmental DNA samples such as water, soil and faeces has substantially improved the way we detect biodiversity. However, such environmental DNA analyses have major drawbacks associated with the laborious collection and processing of environmental samples. To circumvent this, in this project we explore whether it is possible to use DNA collected in air to monitor the animals of an ecosystem. If we succeed, it will revolutionise our ability to monitor biodiversity, and enable us to non-invasively, efficiently and cost-effectively monitor wildlife.