New research and careful study of cave sediments has yielded
new methods in extracting DNA. These methods have proven the presence of DNA,
even in the absence of skeletal remains. Many cave sites across prehistoric
sites in Europe and Asia were sampled and tested in order to see if DNA
fragments were present. Findings consisted of ancient human and mammalian DNA
fragments, focusing on fragments of mitochondrial DNA as well. The sediment
factors that bind with the DNA preserve the DNA to a point where analysis can
be conducted. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
in Leipzig, Germany conduct research identifying DNA in particular sediments
and challenging the “wear and tare” of these particular findings. The fact that
sediments are able to yield and protect DNA is astounding, and to test the findings by
challenging what we know in order to understand that room temperature sediments
also yield DNA is groundbreaking. What is the most interesting within these
sites, is the fact human remains and artifacts are not found, yet DNA is.
Extinct mammalian DNA was discovered relating to species such as the woolly mammoth and the
cave hyena. Extinct human DNA was found consisting of two species, Neanderthal mitochondrial DNA and Denisovan DNA. With further research, researchers hope to date these findings in order to understand the populations and habitations of these cave sites.
Its amazing what you can find in mitochondrial DNA. It can hold up so much better with time and environmental changes.
ReplyDeleteTo be able to find human DNA when no other traces of human life exist is something that is truly outstanding. What is even more interesting is that the scientists found 2 different species of extinct humans near each other which could help scientists further their understanding of how the different human species interacted with each other
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting Hailey. Its almost like bringing Jurassic Park to life. I was unaware they found this interesting DNA and thats so fascinating DNA can be preserved that long. I'm going to keep up with this research not only because mammoths are cooler than elephants but preserving DNA from over millions of years ago is just as interesting.
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