How We Could Get DNA From Animal Waste
A research development in restoring and preserving endangered species with the use of animal dung could hold the key. The discovery known as “poo zoo” is based on the thought that animal dung could contain living cells from the intestines of the animal. If the discovery works out, it could increase genetic rescues by providing a non-invasive way to study and even recreate endangered species. “It’s very, very early stages, but so far it’s feeling very positive.” said Professor Suzannah Williams from Oxford University. While animal dung is considered a waste product, they can contain undigested food and bacteria as well as possible cells from the animal’s gut lining. Some scientists suggest that live cells could be inside the waste if it is fresh enough. They have already extracted living cells from both mouse and elephant droppings, raising the opportunity that this method could be used on a range of species.
How We Could Use This DNA To Restore Endangered Species
Perhaps the most interesting idea would be to turn these live cells into sperm or egg cells. Evidence from mouse research shows that body cells can be repurposed into reproductive cells, in petri dishes. If this technology could be used with endangered species, IVF could be performed without the physical procurement from either elusive or remote animals with the sperm and eggs. These reprogrammed cells could also be edited to have genes such as climate adaptability therefore protecting the species from environmental changes. This project is getting us one step closer to preserving the lives of even more endangered animals.
Related Stories:
https://interestingengineering.com/science/animal-poop-to-save-species-from-extinction
https://www.ifaw.org/journal/poo-protection-animals-planet
