[LibWhacker]

I don't really know anything about genetics, DNA, etc., so someone correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it true that scientists can only trace the mitochondrial DNA of these ancient remains, i.e., the DNA that comes down from females in the family line? Therefore, isn't it true that if the remains are those of a male, his mitochondrial DNA (the hardiest DNA) would not have been passed down. Only the female's mitochondrial DNA would have survived. So we'll never be able to establish a familial link to a male mummy, right? Or wrong?

[djf]

True, in a sense. Mitochondria come from the egg, and they have their own DNA, all the mito that you and any of your sibling have came from your mother. And unless a mutation has occurred in you or your siblings, it is the same. But still, a match would mean he was a cousin or an uncle, that sort of thing.