In the CSI series, we are shown modern forensic techniques used to solve criminal cases. It is responsible for making the public more aware of DNA evidence and requires prosecutors to present stronger evidence in court. Researchers from Flinders University in Australia now say they can extract DNA from air conditioners to prove someone was in the room.
Every living thing exhales DNA in the form of saliva or vapors released when breathing. Because of this, researchers found that environmental DNA (eDNA) released can be collected by air conditioners and air filter machines. eDNA can be used as evidence that a suspect was at the scene even after fingerprints and other DNA evidence has been cleaned.
This technique of collecting eDNA has long been used by scientists to detect the existence of animal species in rivers. Last year samples of Loch Ness water were collected to look for evidence of the existence of a mysterious animal species that is claimed to be an ancient dragon. Loch Ness eDNA was not found by scientists but the existence of fish, frogs and other aquatic animals could be detected in the samples taken.