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RSS SubscribeThursday 11th February 2010
First ancient human genome pieced together
by Murdoch University
In a world first researchers have sequenced the entire genetic code of a human that has been dead for thousands of years.
The findings have been published in the leading scientific journal Nature.
“Taking ancient, highly fragmented DNA and pasting it together is kind of like doing a billion piece jigsaw — but the results are well worth the effort,” said Dr Mike Bunce, Murdoch University’s ancient DNA expert and an author on the paper.
The international research team, led by Professor Eske Willerslev at the University of Copenhagen, isolated and sequenced the DNA from a 4000 year old clump of male hair found during an archaeological excavation in Greenland.
The team spent the best part of a year isolating the DNA assembling the DNA blue-print known as a genome.
“New DNA technology has allowed us to sequence DNA, and analyse the genes from, this now extinct human lineage,” said Dr Bunce.
Analysis of the genes of the pre-historic Greenlander, know as the Saqqaq, have provided new insights into how the Eskimo, looked — including his tendency to baldness, brown eyes, dark skin, shovel-shaped front teeth and dry earwax.
The team also concluded the Saqqaq had blood type A+ and was genetically adapted to cold temperatures.
“This research heralds a new era of archaeology and shows how small fragments of hair and bone stored in museum collections can provide exciting new ways of studying human history,” said Dr Bunce.
