{"id":30756,"date":"2025-03-12T17:05:39","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T21:05:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/?page_id=30756"},"modified":"2025-11-10T16:17:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T21:17:15","slug":"edna","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/edna\/","title":{"rendered":"eDNA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Environmental DNA and G\u00e9nome Qu\u00e9bec<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>With environmental DNA (eDNA), we gain a better understanding of the living world around us and the tools to help preserve it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-electric-grass-gradient-background has-background\">What is eDNA?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>eDNA detection is a cutting-edge technology that is transforming the way we analyze and protect ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ongoing monitoring of water, air, and soil quality makes it possible to quickly detect environmental risks, the presence of rare species, the spread of invasive species, and early signs of pollution or ecological imbalance. <strong>This contributes to public health prevention, biodiversity protection, and better management of natural resources.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block-accordions-group theme-block theme-block--innerblock aligndefault\">\n    <span class=\"theme-block__label\">Accordions<\/span>\n  \n    \n<div class=\"block-accordion  theme-block theme-block--innerblock aligndefault\">\n    <span class=\"theme-block__label\">Accordion<\/span>\n    <h3 class=\"block-accordion__title\">How does it work?<\/h3>\n    \n\n<p><strong>eDNA <\/strong>functions like a genetic fingerprint left behind by living organisms in their environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To detect it, all that\u2019s needed is a sample of water, soil, or air from a natural setting (river, lake, forest, etc.). These samples contain traces of DNA shed by organisms\u2014such as skin cells, mucus, feces, or pollen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the lab, the DNA is isolated and amplified (multiplied) using techniques such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction). This produces enough genetic material to be sequenced. It\u2019s also at this stage that researchers can target a specific group of organisms to study.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The DNA is then compared to existing genetic databases. This makes it possible to identify which animals, plants, bacteria, or fungi have been present in the environment\u2014often without ever seeing them. Researchers analyze the results to determine if a species is present, if contamination is occurring, or if an ecosystem is healthy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                    \n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch the following video to find out more (French only):<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Qu&#039;est-ce que l&#039;ADN environnemental?\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Y6cJFFBrxLA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block-accordions-group theme-block theme-block--innerblock aligndefault\">\n    <span class=\"theme-block__label\">Accordions<\/span>\n  \n    \n<div class=\"block-accordion  theme-block theme-block--innerblock aligndefault\">\n    <span class=\"theme-block__label\">Accordion<\/span>\n    <h3 class=\"block-accordion__title\">Why is it revolutionary?<\/h3>\n    \n\n<p>Compared to traditional methods, which require lengthy and costly sampling and often cause significant stress to the studied species\u2014eDNA analysis allows faster, more affordable, and more accurate results. <strong>eDNA paves the way for new solutions in environmental, biotechnology, and genomic industries.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>eDNA enables the early detection and precise monitoring of changes in biodiversity and ecosystem health without disturbing nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(349deg,rgb(202,248,128) 0%,rgb(113,206,126) 6%)\">eDNA analysis is around <strong>30-60% less expensive<\/strong> than traditional biological survey methods (such as electrofishing or netting). It can also detect <strong>2 to 10 times more species<\/strong>, particularly rare or discreet species.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                    \n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-electric-grass-gradient-background has-background\">G\u00e9nome Qu\u00e9bec and its investments in eDNA in 2025<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"765\" src=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-4.6M-en-investissement-par-Genome-Quebec-e1762809361289.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33349\" srcset=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-4.6M-en-investissement-par-Genome-Quebec-e1762809361289.png 1920w, https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-4.6M-en-investissement-par-Genome-Quebec-e1762809361289-300x120.png 300w, https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-4.6M-en-investissement-par-Genome-Quebec-e1762809361289-1024x408.png 1024w, https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-4.6M-en-investissement-par-Genome-Quebec-e1762809361289-768x306.png 768w, https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-4.6M-en-investissement-par-Genome-Quebec-e1762809361289-1536x612.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-electric-grass-gradient-background has-background\">eDNA in Qu\u00e9bec: An Opportunity to Seize<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Qu\u00e9bec is now at a strategic crossroads where scientific innovation meets environmental and economic imperatives.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>eDNA initiatives open a window of opportunity to stimulate innovation, create jobs, and boost competitiveness in key sectors such as biotechnology and agri-food. By investing in this technology, Qu\u00e9bec positions itself as a leader in the collection and use of environmental data. This strengthens the province\u2019s credibility in sustainable development and can attract funding and international collaborations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>G\u00e9nome Qu\u00e9bec invites decision-makers and partners to embrace these innovative technologies and help shape a sustainable future that combines scientific progress with economic development.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-electric-grass-gradient-background has-background\">eDNA Initiatives \u2013 G\u00e9nome Qu\u00e9bec:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/educative-content\/educational-space\/activities\/mission-edna\/\">Mission eDNA<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This citizen science project invites Qu\u00e9bec students to collect water samples for eDNA analysis. The goal is to create a precise picture of the biodiversity in Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s waterways and raise youth awareness of aquatic ecosystem conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>G\u00e9nome Qu\u00e9bec is proud to have received financial support from the Cree Nation Government and the Secr\u00e9tariat aux relations avec les Premi\u00e8res Nations et les Inuit for the rollout of the activity in five Indigenous communit<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1366\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30950\" style=\"object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/edna\/code-beluga\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/edna\/code-beluga\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">code B\u00e9luga<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This video is only in French<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"code B\u00e9luga\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IAwK5xp0J2g?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block-accordions-group theme-block theme-block--innerblock aligndefault\">\n    <span class=\"theme-block__label\">Accordions<\/span>\n  \n    \n<div class=\"block-accordion  theme-block theme-block--innerblock aligndefault\">\n    <span class=\"theme-block__label\">Accordion<\/span>\n    <h3 class=\"block-accordion__title\">In partnership with G\u00e9nome Qu\u00e9bec, iTrackDN is flagship project of our eDNA strategy.<\/h3>\n    \n\n<p>Val\u00e9rie Langlois and her team are advancing environmental research with iTrackDNA, a groundbreaking project that uses precision genomic technologies to monitor the impact of climate change on biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Canada, sustainable natural resource management is a top priority, but current monitoring tools struggle to provide reliable and consistent data. To date, eDNA is underutilized in decision-making due to significant variability in data quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>iTrackDNA is changing the game by developing accessible, standardized, rigorous, and socially responsible analytical tools. The goal? To reduce scientific uncertainty in environmental monitoring by detecting early warning signs in our ecosystems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more: <a href=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/funded-projects\/itrackdna-non-destructive-precision-genomics-for-environmental-impact-tracking-in-a-global-climate-change-era\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">iTrackDNA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                    \n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block-accordions-group theme-block theme-block--innerblock aligndefault\">\n    <span class=\"theme-block__label\">Accordions<\/span>\n  \n    \n<div class=\"block-accordion  theme-block theme-block--innerblock aligndefault\">\n    <span class=\"theme-block__label\">Accordion<\/span>\n    <h3 class=\"block-accordion__title\">Ongoing Projects<\/h3>\n    \n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Jennifer Sunday\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/funded-projects\/optimizing-the-edna-approach-to-monitor-biodiversity-in-canadas-marine-protected-areas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Optimization of eDNA for biodiversity monitoring in Canada\u2019s marine protected areas<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Irene Gregory-Eaves\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/funded-projects\/genetic-tools-for-early-detection-of-aquatic-exotic-invasive-plants-in-quebec-waters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Early detection of invasive aquatic plants using eDNA to facilitate eradication before they spread<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Isabelle Lavoie\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/funded-projects\/assessing-watercourse-quality-with-dna-from-microscopic-algae\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Transition from microscopy-based diatom analysis to eDNA for improved monitoring of river ecological health<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Melania Cristescu\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomecanada.ca\/project\/bioscan-canada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Large-scale deployment of DNA barcoding to monitor Canadian biodiversity at lower cost<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>C\u00e9line Audet\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomecanada.ca\/project\/environmental-dna-edna-meta-barcoding-and-transcriptional-profiling-improve-sustainability\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Development of eDNA and transcriptomic tools to monitor the health of freshwater fish on a large scale<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roger C. L\u00e9vesque\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/funded-projects\/stopping-enteric-illnesses-early-sentinel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Early detection of enteric disease outbreaks through wastewater analysis and social media monitoring<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ioannis Ragoussis\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomecanada.ca\/project\/genomic-testing-of-wastewater-to-promote-public-health-and-safeguard-economic-performance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Development of a genomic platform for epidemic biosurveillance using wastewater in Canada<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Val\u00e9rie Langlois and Hugo Asselin\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/funded-projects\/biodiversity-assessing-edna-as-an-aid-to-surveillance-badas\/\">Biodiversity: Assessing eDNA as an Aid to Surveillance (BADAS)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Val\u00e9rie Langlois\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/funded-projects\/itrackdna-non-destructive-precision-genomics-for-environmental-impact-tracking-in-a-global-climate-change-era\/\">iTrackDNA: Non-destructive precision genomics for environmental impact tracking in a global climate change era<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>J\u00e9r\u00f4me Comte&nbsp;et Roger C. Levesque\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/funded-projects\/sync-synergistic-effects-of-pesticides-and-cyanotoxins-on-phytoplankton-communities-in-an-agricultural-fluvial-lake-ecosystem-a-case-study-of-the-yamaska-river-and-lake-st-pierre\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SYNC: Synergistic effects of pesticides and cyanotoxins on phytoplankton communities in an agricultural fluvial lake ecosystem: A case study of the Yamaska River and Lake St-Pierre<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Philippe Constant,&nbsp;Caroline Duchaine,&nbsp;Paul George,&nbsp;Etienne Yergeau&nbsp;et Genevi\u00e8ve Lajoie\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/funded-projects\/microbiome-city-network-project-when-the-urban-microbiome-guides-decisions-and-brings-communities-together\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Microbiome City Network Project: When the Urban Microbiome Guides Decisions and Brings Communities Together<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dominic Frigon et Ioannis Ragoussis\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/funded-projects\/genomic-identification-and-on-site-surveillance-of-pathogenic-campylobacter-strains-in-wastewater\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Genomic identification and on-site surveillance of pathogenic Campylobacter strains in wastewater<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cassandre Lazar\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/funded-projects\/microbiology-and-archaeological-research-can-microbes-shed-light-on-our-past\/\">Microbiology and archaeological research: can microbes shed light on our past?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                    \n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Environmental DNA and G\u00e9nome Qu\u00e9bec With environmental DNA (eDNA), we gain a better understanding of the living world around us and the tools to help preserve it. What is eDNA?&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":30862,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"15911,23065,15192,16130,15201,15896","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-30756","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30756","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30756"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30756\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33517,"href":"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30756\/revisions\/33517"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30862"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/genomequebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30756"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}