DNA Testing on Fossils

DNA testing on fossils helps scientist find out more about our ancient ancestors.

DNA testing on fossils

Anybody who has seen Jurassic Park may be suspicious about scientists doing DNA testing on fossils. DNA is the code to life, and so it’s no wonder it inspired authors to imagine what would happen if DNA testing resulted in the resurrection of extinct species.

DNA testing the migration of humans

But DNA testing on fossils has a very important role to play for researchers and scientists. The results can reveal extraordinary clues to the evolution and migration of early humans. And DNA testing is becoming more and more sophisticated. In Israel, scientists developed new techniques for DNA testing by retrieving better quality, less contaminated DNA from old remains.

DNA testing and contaminated DNA

The Holy Grail for many researchers who specialise in DNA testing is to come across DNA samples from hominids – the species humans evolved from over 100,000 years ago. DNA testing would reveal how they were related to us today. It hasn’t yet been discovered as DNA breaks up and is contaminated over time. DNA testing can be difficult on fossils, as the DNA of the modern human who discovered the fossil can contaminate the ancient DNA.

Ice-Age DNA testing

The ideal conditions to find fossils is if they are frozen in ice, which helps preserve DNA intact, making it ideal for DNA testing - 400,000 year old plants were discovered in the ice in Siberia, and a 40,000 year-old cave bear’s DNA has been decoded by evolutionary anthropology scientists.

Improved DNA testing on Neanderthals

DNA testing has evolved thanks to improved techniques in retrieving ancient DNA.

DNA testing on fossils and remains has helped scientists map human movement and evolution. Scientists have about ten Neanderthal samples they have done DNA testing on that reveals DNA unlike anyone’s alive today.

DNA testing - human migration

After hominids, human’s predecessors, the Neanderthals evolved 250,000 years ago in Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. From there, modern humans left Africa 60,000 years ago and arrived in Europe 40,000 years ago. Neanderthals became extinct 27,000 years ago – perhaps a result of evolution with modern humans as the climate of earth changed. We are by fascinated at the big questions in life, such as where do we come from. DNA testing and studying DNA in fossils and in the remains of our predecessors can help us understand how modern humans got where we are today.

International Biosciences offer a broad range of DNA testing services designed to provide indisputable answers to emotional questions. Whether you seek to establish paternity, prove siblingship or research genealogy, for legal definition or peace of mind, we are able to provide the appropriate DNA testing at competitive rates, professionally and confidentially. Using state of the art technology we are able to provide conclusive evidence on time, every time. Contact International Biosciences on 01342 850945 or click here to email us.

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