NZ scientists find ocean monitoring use for medical DNA diagnostic

A sample of foraminifera from the Indian Ocean (Credit: Psammophile, via Wikimedia Commons

New Zealand scientists have discovered an environmental monitoring application for medical DNA diagnostic technology, the Global Post reported.

The Next-Generation Sequencing technology could be used to monitor industrial impacts on marine environmentals. The method works by identifying and analyzing a group of microscopic, environmentally sensitive organisms known as foraminifera.

Monitoring through chemical analysis or similar methods can take up to eight months, but the new method promises to deliver results in a matter of days. New Zealand requires certain industries, such as aquaculture and offshore energy, to monitor the environment.

Image: A sample of foraminifera from the Indian Ocean (Credit: Psammophile, via Wikimedia Commons)