Creatures, Myths & Legends
Major new DNA study could help to solve Loch Ness Monster mystery
By
T.K. RandallJanuary 20, 2025 ·
3 comments
A model Nessie found at Drumnadrochit. Image Credit: Pixabay / GregMontani
The geneticist who determined that Nessie could be a giant eel is planning to return to the loch once again.
Back in 2019, New Zealand geneticist Professor Neil Gemmell published the results of a biological study in which he carried out a detailed analysis of the DNA contained within 250 samples of water collected from Loch Ness in an effort to determine exactly what type of animals are living there.
Part of the study involved investigating the validity of various monster hypotheses such as whether or not the infamous creature could be a prehistoric reptile, a sturgeon or a giant catfish.
In the end, the study findings indicated that the most likely candidate for the Loch Ness Monster was a giant eel - a plausible explanation given that there have been sightings of large eels in the loch.
Since then, however, this conclusion has been called into doubt on the basis that the samples used were too small relative to the amount of water in the loch to provide an accurate result.
Now, in a renewed effort to solve the Loch Ness Monster mystery once and for all, Prof Gemmell is planning to return to Scotland to conduct another DNA analysis using a completely different method.
"One of the things I think we may have forgotten is that we are all explorers and discoverers," he said.
"Each of us makes new observations every day. Working in science, I have the privilege to embark on that journey of discovery every day in the laboratory."
"And last time around with Loch Ness 1.0, being able to capture that excitement and communicate it to the world was so much fun."
Although Prof Gemmell doesn't expect to actually find a literal monster, the research could help to further cement his giant eel hypothesis while providing important new data about the loch.
Whether he will get the opportunity to proceed with the project, however, remains to be seen.
Source:
Inverness Courier |
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