The DNA vacuum changing biodiversity research

This article is based on our podcast episode released on 29 October 2024. [Listen to the full episode here]

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is emerging as a key tool for monitoring biodiversity in forests. By collecting and analysing traces of DNA from the environment, researchers can identify which species are present in an area. Now, Danish researchers have developed a surprisingly simple way to gather this DNA directly from the air.

"It's so scientific in the papers, but honestly, you just go to your garage and build it," says Rasmus, reflecting on the basic setup. "It's basically just two boxes with a filter attached and two computer fans."

Do it yourself-science meets university research

Danish researchers have conducted a groundbreaking study in a mixed forest using what they call "airborne eDNA analysis." The setup consists of simple plastic boxes attached to trees, equipped with basic computer fans and special filters to capture DNA from the air.

The results? Over just three days, they detected 64 different species of birds, mammals, fish, and amphibians. This represents more than a quarter of all known terrestrial vertebrates in the study area.

Goodbye traps, hello air samples

Traditional biodiversity monitoring is a complex process. It requires setting up physical traps in the forest, catching insects with nets, collecting samples manually, and conducting time-consuming DNA analysis in laboratories.

The new airborne eDNA method simplifies this process significantly. As Jens explains: "Looking at these sensors with eDNA, I mean, it's basically just these two boxes with a filter attached and then two computer fans."

When wind becomes a wild card

While the technology shows promise, some questions remain. Rasmus raises an important point: "When I saw the wind trajectories in their study, they went all the way back to the UK. How do we know where the DNA actually comes from?"

Several key challenges need addressing before widespread adoption. The first is determining the exact origin of detected DNA - wind patterns can carry genetic material over long distances. Second, the current method only shows the presence of species, not their quantities. Researchers also need to better understand how seasonal variations affect readings and validate the accuracy of results across different environments.

Making forest management smarter

For forest owners and managers, this technology could be revolutionary. As Jens notes:

“We need to give forest owners and managers an idea of what is the best thing to do if they want to create a better environment for biodiversity”

While the DNA collection itself is straightforward and continuous, the following laboratory analysis of the filters takes some time. Once analysed, this data provides a deeper understanding of forest ecosystem health. 

This information can guide better decision-making in forest management and make it easier to comply with certification requirements. The ongoing monitoring could help forest managers track changes over time and adjust their practices accordingly.

Beyond the prototype: What's on the horizon? 

The elegance of this technology lies in its simplicity. As Rasmus notes: "I guess the filter has to be a little special to capture the DNA, but the rest is like off-the-shelf stuff." This means that while the science behind eDNA analysis is complex, the tools for collection could be accessible to many forest owners.

The research team at Copenhagen University continues to refine their methods, but the potential is clear. When combined with proper analysis, these simple boxes could transform how we monitor and protect forest biodiversity. For forest owners and managers looking to make informed decisions about conservation, this technology might soon become as essential as any other forest management tool.

Want to learn more about eDNA in forests? Check out these resources:

• Airborne eDNA for biodiversity monitoring (Scientific paper)
• Danish Science article on eDNA collection