The Science Life Animals

Scientists vacuumed animal DNA out of thin air for the first time

Sucking genetic material from the sky could help monitor biodiversity

photo of Kristine Bohmann using a vacuum to collect air samples near a sloth hanging from a tree

Biologist Kristine Bohmann collects air samples with a handheld vacuum near a sloth at the Copenhagen Zoo. Animal DNA floating in the air could be used to track endangered species, Bohmann says.

Christian Bendix

By Jude Coleman

On a dreary winter day in December of 2020, ecologist Elizabeth Clare strolled through the Hamerton Zoo Park in England wielding a small vacuum pump.