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You shed DNA everywhere you go – trace samples in the water, sand and air are enough to identify who you are, raising ethical questions about privacy

  • Written by Jenny Whilde, Adjunct Research Scientist in Marine Bioscience, University of Florida
You shed DNA everywhere you go – trace samples in the water, sand and air are enough to identify who you are, raising ethical questions about privacyA casual stroll on the beach can leave enough intact DNA behind to extract identifiable information.Comezora/Moment via Getty Images

Human DNA can be sequenced from small amounts of water, sand and air in the environment to potentially extract identifiable information like genetic lineage, gender, and health risks, according to our new research.

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