Project:

Finding eDNA in Te Bags through DNA Barcoding

Students:

Meital Cohen - Margolius, Leah Cordova, Ahtziry Ramirez

School:

FMHS, Manhattan

Mentors:

Dora Miklos

Abstract:

As shocking as it may seem, scientists have found environmental deoxyribose nucleic acid, or eDNA, from over 1,200 arthropod species in a variety of grocery store tea and herbs. Some may find this disturbing, but these microscopic traces left behind by insects can show whether or not a plant was grown with excessive pesticides. Insects use plants for food and shelter, and, like many humans, prefer to avoid chemical alteration. Henrik Krehenwinkel, a well respected scientist from Trier University, conducted a study to see if he could find eDNA on tea and herbs sold in grocery stores. The study, published in Biology Letters, revealed just how much eDNA makes its way into your pantry. After isolating the eDNA from the plant’s DNA, Krehenwinkel stated that, on average, each sample tested contained DNA from over 200 arthropods. Although this may discourage some from drinking tea, it is a sign that the plants tested were not grown with excessive amounts of pesticides. It is this last bit t