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Ancient human DNA recovered from a Palaeolithic pendant
A non-destructive DNA isolation method for the stepwise release of DNA trapped in ancient tooth and bone artefacts is developed.
In theory, such analyses are most promising for artefacts made from animal bones or teeth, not only because they are porous and thereby conducive to the penetration of body fluids (for example, sweat, blood or saliva) but also because they contain hydroxyapatite, which is known to adsorb DNA and reduce its degradation by hydrolysis and nuclease activity 9, 10. Bov, Bovidae; Can, Canidae; Cer, Cervidae; Ele, Elephantidae; Equ, Equidae; Fel, Felidae; Hom, Hominidae; Hya, Hyaenidae; Oth, other; Mur, Muridae; Mus, Mustelidae; Rhi, Rhinocerotidae; Spa, Spalacidae; Sui, Suidae; Urs, Ursidae. In summary, our work highlights that artefacts made from bones or teeth are a previously untapped source of ancient human DNA that can provide insights about the ancestry and biological sex of the individuals who handled, carried or wore these objects in the deep past.
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