Air DNA Sampling in Norfolk: Potential for Cheaper Food Prices
Scientists at the Earlham Institute have deployed air samplers in Thetford Forest to detect bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms. Their work could help farmers reduce chemical use, cutting costs and potentially lowering food prices. The research will complete its analysis in Spring 2025.
PhD students Mia Berelson and Jade have placed air sampling devices in Thetford Forest on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.
The Earlham Institute's air samplers, named after characters from Pride and Prejudice, detect bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms quickly and accurately.
This technique could help farmers grow crops more cheaply by reducing the need for chemicals and also aid environmental conservation and public health measures.
Eight samplers have been placed across Norfolk at locations like Brancaster, Norwich city centre, and more, with additional devices in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, and Oxfordshire.
The devices switch on simultaneously for an hour and the experiment will be repeated every three months until the results are analyzed in Spring 2025.
According to post-doctoral scientist Darren Heavens, targeted spraying could save farmers money, potentially leading to cheaper food prices for consumers.
The Earlham Institute's air samplers, named after characters from Pride and Prejudice, detect bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms quickly and accurately.
This technique could help farmers grow crops more cheaply by reducing the need for chemicals and also aid environmental conservation and public health measures.
Eight samplers have been placed across Norfolk at locations like Brancaster, Norwich city centre, and more, with additional devices in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, and Oxfordshire.
The devices switch on simultaneously for an hour and the experiment will be repeated every three months until the results are analyzed in Spring 2025.
According to post-doctoral scientist Darren Heavens, targeted spraying could save farmers money, potentially leading to cheaper food prices for consumers.