Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Oldest DNA Sample is Extracted

     Over 100,000 years ago, a Neanderthal fell into a well. His discovery the has made science history. Named The Altamura Man, this is the oldest Neanderthal to have his DNA extracted by researchers. Scientists discovered him in Southern Italy since 1993 in a cave in Altamura. Altamura Man had an intact skull and some bone fragments. Calcite pebbles lined many of the Neanderthal's upper facial features and analysis of it showed that the bones were between 125,000 - 190,000 years old. In order to study Altamura Man more closely, researchers nicked off a small part of his right shoulder blade. Metrics from this piece of bone confirmed that the specimen was a Homo neanderthalensis. Scientists have now embarked on the task of sequencing his DNA.
     This is a major discovery. The evolutionary implications of discovering this specimen are phenomenal. Being able to code his genetic code will give humans a clue better understanding of their evolutionary history. Not only that, but more will be learned about all hominids. On a microscopic, scientists could compare DNA sequences and see where differences are present. This could give ab better understanding towards how genes interact to give humans their look.     




1 comment:

  1. Wow this is incredible! To think that because of one accidental clumsy moment from this ancient Neanderthal is able to give us insights into prehistoric DNA. Being able to code his DNA can open many doors into new discoveries relating us and our ancestors.

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