Evidence of authentic DNA from Danish Viking Age skeletons untouched by humans for 1,000 years.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Given the relative abundance of modern human DNA and the inherent impossibility for incontestable proof of authenticity, results obtained on ancient human DNA have often been questioned. The widely accepted rules regarding ancient DNA work mainly affect laboratory procedures, however, pre-laboratory contamination occurring during excavation and archaeological-/anthropological handling of human remains as well as rapid degradation of authentic DNA after excavation are major obstacles.

Methodology/principal findings

We avoided some of these obstacles by analyzing DNA from ten Viking Age subjects that at the time of sampling were untouched by humans for 1,000 years. We removed teeth from the subjects prior to handling by archaeologists and anthropologists using prote

SUBMITTER: Melchior L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2386972 | biostudies-literature | 2008 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature