Ever wondered where DNA can be lurking? It's not just in labs and crime scenes! DNA, the blueprint of life, is surprisingly pervasive.
Think about it: anything that was once alive (or part of a living thing) contains DNA. This means you can find it in shed skin cells clinging to your clothes, strands of hair on your pillow, and even in saliva left on a drinking glass. Forensic scientists famously find DNA at crime scenes in blood, semen, and other bodily fluids.
But the possibilities go further! Environmental DNA (eDNA) can be extracted from soil and water samples, revealing which organisms live in a particular area. Archaeologists use ancient DNA extracted from bones and teeth to study past populations. Even seemingly mundane items like envelopes (licked closed) or used tissues can contain trace amounts of DNA.
So, the next time you're cleaning up, remember – you're surrounded by DNA, tiny clues to the story of life!
