Tag: DNA
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Hippos in Ice Age Europe? Ancient DNA is Rewriting Our Wildlife History
You might be surprised to learn that hippos once lived in Europe not just during warm periods, but right in the middle of the Ice Age! But new research turns that idea on its head. Scientists have discovered that hippos lived in Germany’s Upper Rhine valley between about 49,000 and 31,000 years ago…
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DNA Rewrites the Story of Ireland’s Stone Age Tombs
Beyond Royalty: DNA Rewrites the Story of Ireland’s Stone Age Tombs For centuries, Ireland’s ancient stone tombs were believed to be the burial sites of powerful rulers. Archaeologists For years, believed these 5,000-year-old Irish tombs were built for Neolithic kings and nobles – the powerful rulers of their time. But a new study, published…
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Who owns ancient DNA?
Owning ancient DNA is not just a scientific or legal issue. it is all about identity, heritage, and justice. Researchers and institutions often argue that ancient DNA is a scientific resource that belongs to humanity as a whole. Many Indigenous and descendant communities argue that they have a moral and cultural right to control the use…
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aDNA vs Modern
Ancient DNA (aDNA) and modern DNA differ in many aspects due to the degradation processes that aDNA undergoes over time. We can compare on the bases of Integrity, modern DNA, Typically, well-preserved and intact, existing as long, continuous strands. Ancient DNA, Highly fragmented due to chemical and physical degradation (e.g., exposure to oxygen, water, temperature…
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Paleogenomics
Paleogenomics is a interesting field that combines the study of ancient DNA with genomics. It allows scientists to investigate into the past and learn about the evolution, migrations, and adaptations of extinct species, including our own ancestors. Ancient DNA (aDNA) is DNA extracted from ancient remains like bones, teeth, hair, and mummified tissues. The preservation…