Fishing for DNA – how a cup of river water can reveal secrets about human health, pollution and biodiversity

Environmental DNA contained in a small sample of water, sand or even air can reveal the presence of people, wildlife and pathogens, helping researchers track where they’ve migrated.

By: Jenny Whilde, University of Florida, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 7, 2026

Words: 1,331

Last Updated: 2 weeks ago

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By Jenny Whilde, University of Florida

The DNA in a single cup of water can track wildlife, monitor pollution and survey pathogens in waterways and their surroundings, all at the same time.

DNA is contained in each cell of every plant, animal, fungus and microbe. It carries the genetic instructions needed for an organism’s survival, growth and function, and the DNA of each species is unique.

Organisms shed DNA into their environments. This

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