Traces of ancient DNA contained in old bones have spilled fascinating secrets about the past. Now, scientists have found a way to extract DNA in a non-invasive manner, applying the pioneering new technique to a pierced deer tooth likely worn as a pendant.
Traces of ancient DNA contained in old bones have spilled fascinating secrets about the past.
Excavated from Denisova Cave in southern Siberia, the pendant was worn by a woman who lived between 19,000 and 25,000 years ago, according to the analysis of human genetic material preserved in the pendant. She belonged to a group known as Ancient North Eurasians, which have a genetic connection to the first Americans.
The technique may also, for example, be able reveal whether a tool was used by a Neanderthal or our own Homo sapiens ancestors, she added.Human DNA was likely preserved in the deer bone pendant because it is porous and therefore more likely to retain genetic material present in skin cells, sweat and other body fluids.
"If we want to stay in this image of the washing machine, it's the wash water that was exciting for us," Essel explained. The technique, at least as it stands, only worked on freshly excavated material and where archaeologists had taken steps to ensure that the artifact is "clean" — i.e. not contaminated with modern human DNA — by wearing gloves and a mask and making sure the object was sealed in a bag immediately after being unearthed.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
U.S. hands Cyprus ancient artifacts, some 4,000 years oldThe artifacts were all repatriated Apr. 26 and are currently held in a museum in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus
Lire la suite »
Woody Harrelson declares he is Matthew McConaughey’s brother: It’s 'very much true'The ‘Natural Born Killers’ actor, 61, earlier this month called on Matthew, 53, to get a DNA test
Lire la suite »
Cardano’s monthly report reveals intriguing activity: What was its effect on ADACardano’s TVL also gained by a substantial margin. It grew from as low as $138.61 million at the start of the month, to a $171.3 million TVL monthly high
Lire la suite »
Olds, Alta., man charged in luring, abduction and sexual assault of Edmonton teenMounties in central Alberta have arrested a 34-year-old man from Olds and located a 13-year-old girl who was reported missing from Edmonton last month.
Lire la suite »
Royal coronation can’t mask growing apathy among younger generationsThe 74-year-old King and 75-year-old Queen Consort face a huge challenge staying relevant to young people
Lire la suite »
U.S. hands Cyprus ancient artifacts, some 4,000 years oldThe artifacts were all repatriated Apr. 26 and are currently held in a museum in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus
Lire la suite »