Swiss scientists have developed a proof-of-concept method to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) from high-arching forest canopies, an under-observed habitat. Rather than hiring skilled climbers to risk their lives to grab a little bug and bird DNA, the team flew a collection drone into the trees to capture genetic material — giving them a clearer picture of the area’s organic breakdown.
The researchers used a quadcopter equipped with a sticky collection cage. But since tree branches can bend at the slightest touch — and the drone needs to touch the branches to collect DNA — it has a haptic-based control scheme using force sensors to measure the pressure between the drone and the branch. Then, it adjusts its landing accordingly, leaning against the branch gently enough to avoid flinging valuable material to the ground.
The drone’s cage then grabs samples with a sticky surface made from “adhesive tape and a cotton gauze humidified with a solution of water and DNA-free…
2023-01-27 15:00:40
Post from www.engadget.com Recently, a team of scientists from the University of British Columbia have developed a novel and revolutionary method of DNA sampling. The researchers created a sticky drone that is capable of collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) from the canopies of trees in forest areas.
The drone, which is equipped with a vacuum pump and a unique adhesive material, operates at a height of up to 10 meters and collects environmental debris from leaves and nearby fauna. The adhesive material is applied to the vacuum tip and helps to collect the eDNA material from surfaces of the tree canopies.
The use of drones for collecting eDNA is a reliable and efficient method because it allows scientists to access the canopy of the trees, which would be difficult to sample manually. In addition, the sticky drone approach is less intrusive than other sampling methods and does not disturb the vegetation or soil during the sampling process.
The data collected by the sticky drone is analyzed using next-generation gene sequencing technology. This enables researchers to study the genome of different species living in forests and determine their species range, as well as their abundance. In addition, it also helps scientists to identify evolutionary transitions between species in the same family.
The research team believes that the sticky drone approach can be used in conservation efforts to monitor species health and diversity in forest areas, as well as to better understand the drivers and dynamics of species extinction in these habitats.
Overall, this unique and innovative device has the potential to revolutionize the field of eDNA sampling, making it easier and more reliable. The sticky drone approach can potentially provide valuable data to assist conservationists in helping to protect and preserve species that inhabit forest areas around the world.