Scientists plan DNA hunt for Loch Ness monster next month

www.reuters.com ^ | 05/23/2018 | (Reporting by Ana de Liz; editing by Stephen Addison

[Red Badger]

LONDON (Reuters) - A global team of scientists plans to scour the icy depths of Loch Ness next month using environmental DNA (eDNA) in an experiment that may discover whether Scotland’s fabled monster really does, or did, exist.

The use of eDNA sampling is already well established as a tool for monitoring marine life like whales and sharks.

Whenever a creature moves through its environment, it leaves behind tiny fragments of DNA from skin, scales, feathers, fur, faeces and urine.

“This DNA can be captured, sequenced and then used to identify that creature by comparing the sequence obtained to large databases of known genetic sequences from hundreds of thousands of different organisms,” said team spokesman Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago in New Zealand.

[GingisK]

I’d conclude, then, they must have some Nessy DNA which could serve as a reference. That aught to be proof enough.

[Red Badger]

[GingisK]

That isn’t much of a “reach”, sadly enough. Great job!

[fruser1]

“faeces”

Spelling it this way makes it seem so much more refined, earthy, with a loamy bouquet and buttery affect.

[Red Badger]

Remember that great early 70’s band ‘The Small Faeces’...........

[dhs12345]

So is it freshwater?

[Jan_Sobieski]

True story...I was in Scotland in 2005 walking around Loch Ness. I saw an old Scotish man with a cane walking in front of me.

I asked the man, "Sir, do you believe there is a Loch Ness Monster?"

The old Scottish man replied, "Well laddie, it depends on how must whisky I've drunk!"

[elbook]

Add Jimmy Hoffa into the search criteria.

[Retvet]

My name is Jessie and I refuse to give you a DNA sample.

[Disambiguator]

Hillhullu

[BBell]

I smiled...

[Theoria]

Pretty much the plot of The Loch.

[House Atreides]

My god, what happened to Nessie...its head looks like a boat propeller chewed it up. Horrifying!

[Red Badger]

Same thing with space aliens and redneck campers in the woods!....................

[Rock N Jones]

Well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2PoSljk8cE

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Red Badger.

[SunkenCiv]

https://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3754015/posts

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-49495145

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/09/05/Loch-Ness-Monster-may-have-been-giant-eel-scientist-says/1641567703565/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/dna-hints-the-loch-ness-monster-might-be-giant-eel/2019/09/05/8c9d088e-cffc-11e9-a620-0a91656d7db6_story.html

https://www.businessinsider.com/loch-ness-monster-real-giant-eel-scientists-say-2019-9