IN SEARCH OF… THE LOCH NESS MONSTER’S DNA

A global team of scientists plans to scour the icy depths of Loch Ness next month to find environmental DNA in an experiment that may discover whether Scotland’s (* non-existent) monster really does, or did, exist. Whenever a creature moves through its environment, it leaves behind tiny fragments of DNA from skin, scales, feathers, fur, feces and urine. This DNA can be captured, sequenced and then used to identify the creature by comparing the sequence obtained to large databases of known genetic sequences from hundreds of thousands of different organisms. From this, they can use the process of elimination to see if there is a unique creature which could be the Loch Ness Monster (* which there isn’t).
* Isn’t there an easier way to collect DNA? Can’t they just shine a great big ultraviolet light on the lake and look for splotches?
* I want the DNA to come back saying it’s Bigfoot.
* It’s important work. Millions of tourist dollars are at stake.
* Would it be so hard for them to just dump a whale in there?
* Maybe some dinosaur bones?