Immersive Videography of Ancient DNA Extraction for Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives by the Anson Street African Burial Ground Project.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Community engagement is an increasingly important component of ancient DNA (aDNA) research, especially when it involves archeological individuals connected to contemporary descendants or other invested communities. However, effectively explaining methods to non-specialist audiences can be challenging due to the intricacies of aDNA laboratory work. To overcome this challenge, the Anson Street African Burial Ground (ASABG) Project employed a GoPro camera to visually document the process of aDNA extraction for use in community engagement and education events.

Methods

A GoPro Hero 6 camera enclosed in a decontaminated underwater case was used to film multiple rounds of aDNA extractions from first- and third-person perspectives. The raw footage was edited into long (13-

SUBMITTER: Fleskes RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11748191 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature