Everywhere we go, we leave traces of ourselves: our DNA. DNA is a universal molecule, shared by all the living world. When a living being passes through a forest, a lake or a reef, he leaves bits of saliva, urine, or skin… a unique signal of his presence in an ecosystem.
Every species has its own DNA sequence. By sampling DNA in an environment, it becomes possible to reveal most species in a given place. That method is called environmental DNA, or eDNA. From viruses to whales, including insects, birds or amphibians, eDNA allows us to unveil the biodiversity present in an ecosystem using only a few samples of water, dirt, honey or feces.