Scientists have successfully extracted ancient human DNA from a deer tooth pendant found in Denisova Cave, Siberia, dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic period (19,000-25,000 years ago). By using a novel method that extracts DNA from the artifact's pores without damaging it, they recovered DNA from a woman genetically related to ancient North Eurasians. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of porous materials like bone and teeth artifacts to preserve DNA and opens up new avenues for studying ancient human populations and their interactions with cultural objects. It suggests that handling such artifacts leaves detectable DNA and may help shed light on their creation, use, and ownership within past societies.
Scientists have extracted ancient DNA from a 20,000-year-old deer-tooth pendant found in Denisova Cave, Siberia. The DNA, primarily from a woman, likely originated from skin cells shed during the pendant's creation or wear. This marks the first successful extraction of ancient human DNA from such an artifact and offers a new method for studying prehistoric populations and the use of personal ornaments without destructive sampling of skeletal remains. Researchers compared the woman's genome to other ancient individuals, determining she was genetically related to a population known as Ancient North Eurasians, who lived in Siberia during the same period. The study reveals valuable information about the pendant's owner and provides a glimpse into the lives of people living during the last Ice Age.
HN commenters were fascinated by the process of extracting DNA from a porous material like the deer tooth pendant. Several expressed amazement at the preservation of the DNA and the ability to link it to a specific individual after 20,000 years. Some discussed the implications for understanding ancient human migration and social structures, while others questioned the potential for contamination and the reliability of the dating methods. A few commenters jokingly speculated about the possibility of Jurassic Park-like scenarios arising from ancient DNA extraction, while others focused on the impressive scientific achievement itself. A compelling comment pointed out the inherent sexism in automatically assuming the pendant maker was female, given that tools and adornments are not gender-specific. Others wondered if the DNA might have been deposited via saliva or sweat, rather than blood, during the creation or wearing of the pendant.
Summary of Comments ( 1 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43290919
Hacker News users discussed the implications of recovering ancient human DNA from a 25,000-year-old pendant, focusing on the potential of this method for future discoveries. Some expressed skepticism about contamination, questioning how the DNA survived so long in a porous material. Others highlighted the significance of retrieving DNA from handled objects, opening possibilities for understanding social structures and individual interactions with artifacts. The innovative technique used to extract the DNA without destroying the pendant was also praised, and several users speculated about the stories this discovery could tell about the pendant's owner and their life. The ethical implications of handling such artifacts were briefly touched upon. Several commenters also compared the methodology and findings to similar research involving ancient chewing gum.
The Hacker News post titled "Ancient human DNA recovered from a Palaeolithic pendant" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43290919) has generated several interesting comments. Many commenters express fascination with the advancements in DNA analysis and the potential for this technique to reveal more about ancient humans and their practices.
One commenter highlights the significance of recovering DNA from porous material like bone, pointing out the challenges posed by contamination and degradation. They express awe at the ability to extract usable DNA despite these hurdles, and they speculate about future applications of this technique, including potentially extracting DNA from ancient pottery.
Another commenter questions whether the DNA extracted truly belonged to the wearer of the pendant or someone who crafted it. They propose the possibility that the pendant was handled by multiple individuals during its creation, leaving behind a mix of DNA. They also raise the intriguing scenario of the pendant being passed down through generations, with each wearer contributing to the DNA pool.
Several comments delve into the methodology of the study, discussing the process of decontaminating the pendant and the techniques used to isolate and analyze the DNA. One commenter, seemingly knowledgeable in ancient DNA research, mentions that the field has come a long way in addressing contamination issues. They explain that researchers now routinely sequence the DNA of everyone involved in the excavation and analysis process to identify and exclude contaminating DNA.
Another commenter raises ethical considerations related to studying ancient human remains and DNA. They ponder the potential cultural sensitivities surrounding the study of ancestral remains and the importance of engaging with indigenous communities in such research.
A few commenters express skepticism about the conclusiveness of the study, wondering if the recovered DNA definitively belongs to the pendant's wearer. They suggest alternative explanations for the presence of DNA, such as contamination during handling or storage.
The discussion also touches on the implications of this discovery for understanding the social structures and practices of ancient humans. One commenter suggests that the pendant might have been a personal item worn close to the skin, offering insights into individual hygiene practices.
Finally, several comments express general excitement about the future of ancient DNA research and the potential to unlock more secrets about our past. They anticipate further advancements in the field and the possibility of gaining a more comprehensive understanding of human history.