Evaluating the discovery by scientists in the USA which addresses the collection of DNA samples even from washing water, exhaled breath in the air, or footprints on the beach, Genetic Specialist Prof. Dr. Korkut Ulucan stated that the development is good, but its purpose of use is important. Ulucan noted that for healthy results to be obtained from DNA collected from the air, the collected sample must contain DNA above a certain level. Prof. Dr. Ulucan also made evaluations regarding the concern of monitoring individuals or societies with DNA.
Research conducted by scientists in the USA has led to a discovery showing that information about a person's DNA can now be detected from footprints left on a beach, air exhaled in a room, or saliva-like waste left while swimming in the ocean.
Prof. Dr. Korkut Ulucan from Üsküdar Üniversitesi, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, evaluated the research and its results, which were carried out by a group of researchers from the University of Florida and published in the scientific journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.
“Tissue is necessary for DNA to be collected”
Evaluating the studies suggesting that, according to a new discovery, DNA samples can be collected from washing water, exhaled breath in the air, or footprints on the beach, Prof. Dr. Korkut Ulucan said, “It's a good development, of course, but it depends on what purpose it will be used for.”
Ulucan reminded that DNA samples can be obtained from all tissues containing cells, stating, “In some cells, DNA may not be present or may not be of the quality we desire. For example, a hair strand must have a cell at its root. A sample from the tip of a hair strand is useless to us. We have oral epithelial cells in saliva. Blood is already a tissue containing many cells. For instance, if I drink a sip of water, my epithelial cells adhere to the glass. From there, you can collect those samples and access my DNA. As long as there is tissue… DNA can be isolated from that tissue, and the collection process can be carried out.”
“Our cells circulate in the air in our environment”
Referring to studies conducted in 2007-2008 on identity determination from exhaled breath, Ulucan said, “The technology at that time was much more expensive and made this possible for special procedures. Our cells are present in our environment, cells found in saliva. We discussed this a lot during the Covid period. Our cells circulate in the air. If we were to bring a vacuum air filter system here, these cells could be easily collected and analyzed.”
“Once upon a time, it was debated whether there was DNA in blood”
Ulucan stated that at the end of the 90s, the question 'Is there DNA in human blood?' was debated. He said, “Currently, thanks to DNA in the blood, we can collect information regarding chromosomal analysis from pregnant women or potential diseases in children. Perhaps after a while, methods like amniocentesis and cordocentesis will become history. Similarly, when 'identity determination from breath' was mentioned, we used to think, 'My goodness, are DNA molecules floating in the air?' Now, I cannot confidently say 'Can there be DNA in the air?' because we used to say 'Can there be in blood?' and it became a reality. But of course, they might not be large DNA molecules, perhaps tiny DNA fragments.”
“The collected sample must contain DNA above a certain level”
Prof. Dr. Korkut Ulucan noted that desired healthy results might not be obtained from DNA collected from the air, stating, “This is a highly debatable point. For instance, there's the issue of collecting DNA from footprints on the beach. However, there will be DNA not only from humans but also from many other living organisms, perhaps even viruses and bacteria. There are currently methods that separate them well. But to obtain healthy results, that DNA must be above a certain level.”
Ulucan added that if the necessary equipment is found, it might be possible to collect DNA from the air, stating, “After that, it's the biological, molecular methods we perform in the laboratory. Cells can somehow be broken down from cells or collected preparations using certain methods, and the DNA inside can be obtained; these are routine procedures done everywhere.”
“Thanks to DNA, we can reduce or postpone the effect of a genetic disease”
Clarifying why DNA is important, Ulucan said, “DNA is the fundamental cause of some diseases. We use this extensively in genetic clinics. Physicians send us their samples to support their findings. We then communicate the results of our analyses to them. Much DNA data supports clinical data. Sometimes it also provides very important information regarding genetic predispositions.”
Emphasizing that DNA is effective in identifying and preventing genetic diseases, Ulucan continued his words as follows:
“If a disease is inherited through genes, that disease may emerge sooner or later. However, we can reduce its effect, perhaps even postpone it so that it doesn't appear during a normal lifespan. As long as we take precautions. For example, I perform all analyses related to myself. As you can guess, early diagnosis is very important at the root of many diseases.”
“If we look at speculative situations, we cannot advance an inch in science”
Prof. Dr. Korkut Ulucan pointed out that the newly discovered DNA collection method has opened discussions on issues such as privacy violations, location tracking, data collection, and genetic monitoring of individuals or populations, stating, “When pursuing a goal, there are always situations that can cause problems alongside it. When embarking on a task, advantages and disadvantages are listed. If the advantages outweigh, some disadvantages can be taken into account, and one can at least say, 'we expected this, we will deal with it.' This topic is also such a case. Because we still don't have clear information. We have very little information about metabolism. We used to say, 'Okay, we've deciphered the genes,' but now something called epigenetics has emerged. We have seen that the working speed of genes can change depending on a person's circumstances. In two people carrying the same gene variation, the condition caused by that gene can manifest at different times. They have the same gene variation, but their lifestyles are different. Epigenetics investigates these. That's why, yes, this information is very important. Of course, there will be speculative things alongside this, but if we dwell on these speculative situations, we cannot advance an inch in science.”
Ulucan concluded his words by giving technology as an example regarding the concern of monitoring individuals or societies with DNA:
“Currently, thanks to computers, mobile phones, and the internet, they are already tracking me and know where I go; there's no need for my DNA. But can something emerge against me concerning my genetic structure? This can always happen. Not only with genetic structure, but artificial intelligence has now reached a point where it can obtain many desired data. DNA is not necessary at that stage, but of course, DNA will provide the clearest information. This is a very big breakthrough and a very big project,” he stated.