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New Zealand scientist to reveal 'plausible' theory on existence of Loch Ness Monster


By Neil MacPhail

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ONE theory about the Loch Ness Monster is "plausible", according to a scientist who studied the world famous loch that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

And this theory is due to be made public in September.

An international team of scientists took samples from the loch to obtain environmental DNA (eDNA) that helped them create a full list of everything that lives in the water.

Now Professor Neil Gemmell, the scientist from the University of Otago, New Zealand, who led that work, says that one of the theories about the monster "remains plausible" following the research that was launched in June 2018 and involved taking water samples from all round the loch, and underwater.

The DNA from those samples was extracted and sequenced, resulting in around 500 million sequences that have now been analysed against existing databases.

He said: "From those sightings there are around four main explanations about what has been seen.

"Our research essentially discounts most of those theories – however, one theory remains plausible."

As creatures move through the loch, they leave tiny fragments of DNA through their skin, scales, feathers, fur, faeces and urine, which can be used to identify the creature.


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