What do people eat? Plant and animal DNA in sewage provide clues
Summary
Dr. Lawrence David discusses the Edible Atlas project, which analyzes DNA in sewage to track community nutrition. This method bypasses survey biases by identifying consumed plants and animals from wastewater samples. The technique reveals diverse dietary patterns and helps assess food access across different neighborhoods. David also addresses privacy concerns and the surprising resilience of food DNA through digestion.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Limitations of traditional food tracking methods
The Edible Atlas: Analyzing DNA in sewage to track diet
DNA survival rates and detection of specific foods
Sampling logistics and wastewater treatment plant cooperation
Diversity of plant and animal species found in city diets
Addressing privacy concerns and community engagement
Control experiments using flushed food samples
Dr. David's personal stool collection and microbiome research
Conclusion and contact information
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