Scientists Find a Way to Collect Human DNA Samples from Skin Cells Shed into the Air


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02/04/2021

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Breakthrough research proves it is possible to collect DNA samples from skin cells shed into the air.

In a breakthrough proof-of-concept test, scientists have managed to take human DNA samples from the air, which could have applications in forensic investigations.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an emerging field allowing scientists to conduct bio monitoring and ecological research by sampling the environment for DNA, which is later analysed.

It has previously been used in aquatic environments, as well as from substances such as soil and snow, but now researchers from Queen Mary University of London have managed to successfully collect eDNA samples from the air.

eDNA comes from a range of sources, including saliva, urine and skin cells which are filtered out of substrates such as water, or in this case, air.

It has become an important tool to help scientists identify species in different environments, but nobody had yet tested whether it could be done using thin air.

To test whether they could collect eDNA from mammals, the team led by Dr Elizabeth Clare targeted a colony of naked mole-rats which had inhabited a dedicated housing room for more than a year, and thus was likely have a significant amount of shed skin cells in the environment.

Using commercially available filters and air pump, the team collected their air and particulate samples into sterile plastic chambers for examination. The samples were then genetically sequenced.