New threat to privacy? Scientists sound alarm about DNA tool

But the international team of researchers inadvertently collected a massive amount of human eDNA, which they called "human genetic bycatch". The scientists collected human eDNA from nearby oceans, rivers and towns, as well as from areas far from human settlements. It was free of human DNA -- at least until a member of the team walked barefoot along the beach. But the international team of researchers inadvertently collected a massive amount of human eDNA, which they called "human genetic bycatch". The scientists collected human eDNA from nearby oceans, rivers and towns, as well as from areas far from human settlements.