Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

To: Renfield
"In a groundbreaking study, two Harvard scientists have for the first time extracted human DNA from ancient artifacts."

Excellent news. I wonder what DNA types have been found?

6 posted on 09/01/2007 10:47:04 AM PDT by blam (Secure the border and enforce the law)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]


To: blam
Excellent news. I wonder what DNA types have been found?

I wonder too. I found the abstract, but little additional information there.


Abstract

Steven A. LeBlanc, Lori S. Cobb Kreisman, Brian M. Kemp, Francis E. Smiley, Anna N. Dhody, and Thomas Benjamin

Quids and Aprons: Ancient DNA from Artifacts from the American Southwest
Journal of Field Archaeology
32 (2007) 161--175

The success of ancient DNA (aDNA) studies rests on the preservation of DNA through time, and can be limited by the availability of skeletal samples from particular times and locations. To help overcome this limitation, we sought to extract, amplify, and type human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) preserved within 1000- to 2000+-year-old artifacts from the American Southwest. In this study, we successfully typed mtDNA from 21 quids and aprons from Basketmaker II and Mimbres contexts. Recovery and analysis of human DNA from such artifacts will be helpful in confirming and extending genetic characterization of ancient populations for which human remains are scarce or unavailable. To illustrate the potential of these techniques, we tested them as a preliminary and independent line of evidence, relevant to the hypothesis that Western Basketmaker populations in the U. S. Southwest were descendants of migrant farmers from central Mexico.

9 posted on 09/01/2007 10:59:10 AM PDT by Coyoteman (Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson