Our Lab
EQO’s lab specializes in using eRNA and eDNA to help owners, operators, and consultants detect, diagnose, and monitor challenges in freshwater and marine ecosystems.
eRNA vs eDNA
eRNA and eDNA are invaluable tools in environmental science, each offering unique insights. eDNA, a stable molecule, acts as an archival record of genetic material, revealing the past or present presence of species in an environment. In contrast, eRNA is less stable but provides a real-time view of active cellular processes, like a recipe being executed. By combining these molecular insights, we deliver both real-time snapshots and comprehensive records of aquatic ecosystems, empowering informed and actionable decisions.
qPCR
Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a precise and sensitive method that uses specific gene probes to amplify sections of DNA or RNA, enabling highly specific measurements. By employing a fluorescence system, qPCR replicates the target sequence and quantifies its abundance—common sequences fluoresce earlier, indicating higher presence. This technique is invaluable for analyzing gene expression, providing insights into an organism’s metabolism, stress responses, and other biological functions. In environmental science, qPCR offers a powerful tool for understanding the past presence and current state of species, including their stress levels and biological activities.
Microarray
Our microarray solution is a microchip containing thousands of wells, each designed with DNA sequences specific to different prokaryotic organisms. By amplifying a gene common to all prokaryotes, such as the 16S gene, and allowing the amplified fragments to bind to the chip’s sequences, scientists can identify which organisms are present. While it doesn’t offer the depth of data provided by metagenomics or the quantitative precision of qPCR, the PhyloChip delivers a broad-spectrum view of all known bacteria and archaea in a sample. This makes it a valuable tool in environmental science for assessing microbial biodiversity.
NGS
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a groundbreaking technology with a wide range of applications, including metabarcoding, which EQO offers as part of its services. Metabarcoding involves fragmenting DNA or RNA and attaching a unique barcode—a known DNA sequence—to each fragment. These barcodes bind to specific genetic fragments, enabling targeted amplification and analysis of data from particular species or genes. In environmental science, metabarcoding is valuable for estimating the relative abundance of species based on the frequency of their DNA or RNA sequences. While the process has some variability, making it less suitable for precise diagnostics, it is highly effective for assessing biodiversity and identifying general ecological trends.
