chXout · Research
Research at chXout
Applying DNA science to understand — and help protect — the natural world.
A passion for the natural world
We have a deep passion for the natural world and a real enthusiasm for citizen science. Understanding the biology of nature — and protecting it — matters to the future of all of us, so we welcome samples from citizen scientists, whether that's for species identification or something more unusual.
Alongside this, we work with partners on conservation projects simply because they interest us, with various projects on the go from bats to falcons.
Fungal Identification
A new tool for mycology
Since launching our fungal ID service, we've had some fascinating specimens come through the lab — including new species, and species that shouldn't be here in the UK. It seems we tend to get the really difficult ones that have defied traditional mycology.
New species — and species that shouldn't be here in the UK.
But that's exactly the point: DNA is a powerful new tool to add to the mix.
Bird Sexing · Since 2015
It started with peregrine falcons
DNA bird sexing was the very first service we offered — our rural idyll led us, quite fortuitously, to the sexing of peregrine falcons back in 2015. Ten years on, it's still at the heart of what we do.
Many birds simply can't be told apart by sight, so a DNA test determines whether a bird is male or female at any age — from a single plucked feather, a blood sample, or an eggshell membrane. Over the years we've built a database spanning everything from barn owls to hooded vultures, penguins to parrots.
2–3 working day resultsFeather · blood · eggshellFrom £22 inc. VAT
Explore Bird Sexing →
10 years
♂ / ♀
Since 2015
Explore our research & services
Whether you're a curious citizen scientist, an ecologist, or a breeder, there's a way to work with us.
Citizen Science & Fungal ID
From fungal ID to species identification, we help curious citizen scientists put a name to their woodland finds and garden mysteries.
Explore Citizen Science→Environmental Services
We partner on conservation work and offer environmental DNA (eDNA) services to help monitor and protect the natural world.
Explore Environmental→Bird & Falconry Genetics
A long history in falconry — from bird sexing to peregrine parentage for breeding programmes — applying DNA to the field.
Explore Bird Services→