Scientists use environmental DNA (eDNA) to surveil animal biodiversity. Depending on the source—soil, water, permafrost—DNA shows different degradation rates and can provide a limited picture of the local biodiversity. In search of new and accessible eDNA sources, researchers from Curtin University tested spider webs as natural and easy-to-use biomonitoring tools.1  

          The infographic shows a new method where researchers used spider webs to monitor environmental eDNA of vertebrates. They demonstrated the effectiveness of their by analyzing samples from a zoo and a wildlife sanctuary.
Modified from © istock.com, Logorilla, visualgo, dejanj01, Inna Miller, Rungnaree Jaitham; designed by erin lemieux

Reference

  1. Newton JP, et al. iScience. 2024;27(2):108904.