Scientists Unlock Secrets of Ancient Human DNA

Published on 10/31/2024
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Here’s Why They Couldn’t Study The Three-Year-Old

Old bones are not guaranteed to contain living cells. If scientists want to investigate DNA, they need a bone that is thick enough and well kept. Researchers usually test the petrous bone, which is located at the base of the skull. Because the three-year-old’s bones were too destroyed, researchers were unable to examine the DNA. However, with the two infants, they could.

Here's Why They Couldn't Study The Three Year Old

Here’s Why They Couldn’t Study The Three Year Old

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What Came From The DNA Tests?

Sunrise Girl’s ethnicity was confirmed by the first wave of DNA tests conducted at the University of Alaska. According to the findings, she was closely related to Native Americans, but in a unique way. Scientists believe her DNA is significantly older than any previously analyzed remains. In other words, she represents a hitherto unknown genetic community of Native Americans.

What Came From The DNA Tests

What Came From The DNA Tests

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