After a thorough scientific analyses of Loch Ness in Scotland, scientist believe they are close to solving this age-old mystery.
Scientists who have completed a DNA investigation of the waters of Loch Ness have said that one theory about its fabled monster “remains plausible”.
While they did not come face to face with Nessie, the scientists say they have a biological explanation for her.
New Zealand’s University of Otago has led the work aimed at cataloguing all current life in Loch Ness, including plants, insects, fish and mammals.
The global team of scientists, led by Professor Neil Gemmell, of the University of Otago in New Zealand, used environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling of the waters to identify tiny genetic remnants left behind by life in the Highland loch and establish a detailed list of all life living in the waters.
For now, he said: “There have been over a thousand reported sightings of something in Loch Ness which have driven this notion of a monster being in the water.
“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.”
During their research, launched last June, 250 water samples were taken from the length, breadth and depth of Loch Ness.
The DNA from those samples was extracted and sequenced, resulting in around 500 million sequences that have now been analysed against existing databases.
Professor Gemmell will reveal the full findings of the study in September.
