Nature DNA

20/08/2026

A bit less syringe pumping, a bit more sampling!

We’ve recently picked up an Diagnostics Inc. Surface Sampler, and after a couple of weeks putting it through its paces, we’re super impressed with it.

We’ve tested it with both 5µm syringe disc filters and 5µm Smith-Root filters — and it’s performed really well with both.

In most freshwater scenarios, we’ve been able to push 4–5 litres through a 5 µm Smith-Root filter in around 10 minutes, and up to 1.5 litres through a 5 µm syringe filter in the same time.

For anyone who’s pumped 20 syringes through a syringe filter by hand, that’s a pretty welcome change!

The other big tick for us is the battery setup. It runs on the common Makita batteries, which are easy to get your hands on pretty much anywhere around Australia. Combined with the sampler’s lightweight design, that makes it much easier to ship to clients around the country.

That’s a big advantage over systems with enclosed or proprietary batteries, where shipping and battery logistics can become a bit of a pain.

There’s also a nice environmental upside. Using a sampler like this for syringe filters means we can reduce the amount of single-use plastic from disposable syringes when filtering larger volumes of water.

We’ll be making the Surface Sampler available for hire to NatureDNA clients as an add-on or alternative to traditional syringe filtering or a Smith-Root backpack.

We reckon there’ll be plenty of projects where being able to hire one of these makes field sampling a whole lot easier.

Practical gear. Less pumping. Less plastic. And a bit less stuffing around in the field.

That’s our kind of kit. 👌

17/08/2026

eDNA metabarcoding can give you a species list. But should you trust every automated lab detection?

Metabarcoding and automated bioinformatics are seriously powerful tools — but the automated output shouldn’t be relied on as the final species list without review by an experienced molecular geneticist.

Here’s a real-world example.

Over the last few days, Elise reviewed 519 unique sequences for a client.

Of those, 71 sequences needed to be reassigned or removed — affecting more than 740,000 reads.

Why?

• Some matches were resolved using known species distributions.
• Some exposed gaps or errors in the reference database.
• Others were contamination or sequencing errors.

The results also threw up a couple of pearlers — an Australian sample apparently detecting a small mammal from Europe and a bird only found in Southeast Asia. 🤔

A good reminder that not every DNA match should be taken at face value without a bit of scrutiny.

Elise's review of the sequencing also uncovered 7 taxa that weren’t showing as distinct species detections in the original output, while 26 apparent detections were removed or reclassified.

This is where expert review and data interpretation really matters.

We didn't just provide this client more data. We provided better data — and greater confidence in what that data is telling you about your site.

That’s what we do at NatureDNA — provide that extra level of scientific quality control and interpretation, so you can have confidence in your eDNA survey results.

14/08/2026

We've been pretty busy behind the scenes preparing some new guides and instructions, so watch this space!

In the meantime, enjoy a couple of bloopers on us… (or on Elise!) 😂🎥

09/08/2026

Did you receive some questionable eDNA results?

We hear you.

eDNA is a powerful tool, but the reliability of the final result depends on a whole chain of variables—from sampling design and contamination controls to laboratory assays, genetic reference databases and taxonomic assignment.

At NatureDNA, we don't simply accept the laboratory output and pass it on.

We go through the results with a fine-tooth comb.

Every dataset is independently reviewed by our experienced geneticists to assess whether taxonomic identifications are correct, ecologically plausible and consistent with the species and environment being surveyed.

Laboratory outputs often only assign a sequence to a higher taxonomic level, such as order, family or genus. We use these assignments as a starting point, examining the underlying sequence, available reference data and ecological context to determine whether a more specific species-level identification can be confidently made.

Where a result raises questions, our geneticists can investigate the underlying genetic sequence in detail—helping identify and resolve potential errors before results are reported.

This is particularly important for threatened species and other detections that could influence environmental decisions.

Many eDNA providers operate primarily as laboratory services, with limited review beyond automated outputs.

At NatureDNA, the laboratory result is the starting point—not the end point.

We apply the scientific expertise and ecological context needed to turn raw sequencing data into results you can have confidence in.

If you've received an eDNA result that doesn't look quite right, we'd be happy to take a closer look.

02/07/2026

We’re pleased to share a recent publication involving the NatureDNA team, contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for aquatic biodiversity monitoring.

The study investigated the relationship between eDNA concentrations and traditional electrofishing survey data for two ecologically distinct native freshwater fish species — Murray cod and bony herring — across multiple river systems in New South Wales.

The findings demonstrated significant positive correlations between eDNA concentrations and both relative biomass and abundance for both species, reinforcing the potential of eDNA as a robust, non-invasive monitoring tool. The research also highlighted the importance of environmental variables such as river discharge, which can influence eDNA detectability through dilution effects.

As demand grows for scalable, cost-effective, and minimally invasive monitoring methods, studies like this continue to demonstrate the value of eDNA in supporting evidence-based conservation and natural resource management.

We’re proud to contribute to advancing practical applications of eDNA science and improving how we monitor and protect aquatic ecosystems.

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In response to increasing global interest in the utility of environmental DNA (eDNA) for non-invasively monitoring fish populations, the relationships between eDNA concentrations and electrofishing-derived relative biomasses and abundances were assessed for two ecologically distinct Australian nativ...

07/05/2026

🎉 David Attenborough’s 100 years on planet earth 🎉

From all of us at NatureDNA, we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Sir David Attenborough — an absolute inspiration for generations.

Your work has profoundly shaped the way the world understands nature, biodiversity, and our place within it. Through timeless storytelling and relentless curiosity, you have changed how humanity sees the natural world.

The NatureDNA team were inspired by your work to pursue careers in biodiversity conservation from a young age.

Your impact is immense. Your legacy is lasting. You have inspired scientists, conservationists, and nature lovers across the globe, and your voice has become synonymous with the beauty and urgency of protecting life on Earth.

Happy birthday, Sir David. Thank you for a century of inspiration. 🌏🌿