Biodiversity and Pathogen Detection: An Interview with Dr. Tiffany Jedrecka

Interview with Dr. Tiffany Jedrecka 

Can you briefly introduce yourself, NatureMetrics, and the role NatureMetrics plays in BCOMING? 

Tiffany Jedrecka: Sure. So, I am Dr. Tiffany Jedrecka, and I lead the R&D team at NatureMetrics. At NatureMetrics, we provide biodiversity data for our clients with simple metrics and insights that enable them to make nature-positive decisions. We have easy-to-use kits that partners can use in all the different countries where they’re conducting fieldwork.  

Our primary role in BCOMING is to provide biodiversity data, as well as the development of a rapid in-field detection tool for pathogens. This tool builds on previous work we’ve done on rapid in-field detection of different species using eDNA. 

 

Can you tell us more about the rapid detection tool and the progress that has been made so far? 

Tiffany Jedrecka: All organisms release DNA into the environment, kind of like what you see on CSI when they’re swabbing for evidence. Everything does that too. This enable us to detect species by collecting environmental samples, like water and soil, to see what species are present based on the DNA we find. 

One of the pioneering developments in recent years has been in rapidly detecting eDNA. There’s been work in the literature around things like isothermal amplification, which is an alternative to PCR and doesn’t require complex equipment. Additionally, new developments in DNA extraction make it easier to perform in the field for single-species detection. What’s really exciting is how this ties into BCOMING—essentially, it’s about detecting things rapidly in the environment, especially viruses and pathogens that might cause pandemics. Typically, we wait until there are visible signs of disease in humans or animals, but this tool allows for earlier detection using environmental samples, increasing the chances of intervening before problems escalate. 

 

How does this tool differ from traditional methods? 

Tiffany Jedrecka: It's low-cost, relatively speaking, because you can do things directly in the field. One of the challenges in countries like Cambodia and Ivory Coast is that if you want to look for viruses in samples, you need to collect them in remote areas, usually without access to electricity or the internet. Then, you have to send the samples back to central labs, often in a different country, for analysis, and wait for the results. That takes time and is expensive. 

The ability to take samples in the field and obtain results within an hour of collection is truly game-changing. Even though the tests themselves may be comparable in price to lab testing, the logistical savings make the overall process far cheaper. 

 

Beyond the tool, how does NatureMetrics’ work in biodiversity assessments fit into BCOMING? 

Tiffany Jedrecka: There's a known correlation between biodiversity degradation and how humans interact with that biodiversity, often increasing the risk of disease transmission. For example, when biodiversity is degraded due to intensified agriculture, humans come into closer contact with agricultural animals, which may spread disease. Similarly, deforestation may push wildlife, such as monkeys, to seek food in human-populated areas, increasing interaction and disease risk. 

Our biodiversity assessments, especially using eDNA, offer a simpler, more approachable method than traditional techniques, like traps or visual IDs, which require trained ecologists. With eDNA, anyone can collect a water sample, filter it, and send it back for analysis. This allows more people to be involved in data collection, contributing to a more holistic understanding of the relationship between biodiversity loss and human health. 

 

How does this fit into the One Health approach? 

Tiffany Jedrecka: The One Health approach often neglects the environmental aspect because it's so challenging to assess. By incorporating NatureMetrics’ biodiversity assessments into BCOMING, we’re able to integrate environmental data into the broader One Health approach, which looks at the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The ease of eDNA assessments makes it possible to involve more people in biodiversity monitoring, complementing other aspects of the grant, such as mass surveillance. 

 

We’re excited to see all these different pieces of the puzzle come together, linking biodiversity, pathogen detection, and disease prevention in a comprehensive way. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore the progress of our partners in the BCOMING project!