Short Wave It's Boom Times In Ancient DNA
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Mar 15, 2023 Beth Shapiro, a leading Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz, dives into the fascinating world of ancient DNA research. She discusses groundbreaking discoveries, including working with an 800,000-year-old horse fossil and uncovering the dodo's link to the Nicobar pigeon. Shapiro explains how advanced genetic sequencing is reshaping our understanding of Neanderthal ancestry and mammoth extinction, unraveling ecological shifts and the intricate legacy of ancient species.
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The Dodo's Pigeon Ancestry
- Beth Shapiro's interest in ancient DNA began with a dodo specimen at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
- After proving her DNA extraction skills, she successfully extracted DNA from the dodo, revealing its close relation to pigeons.
Early Challenges in Ancient DNA Research
- In the early 2000s, ancient DNA research was still in its nascent stages, facing challenges like contamination and limited technology.
- Despite the hype around Jurassic Park, obtaining ancient DNA was difficult, with Beth Shapiro only able to sequence small fragments of mitochondrial DNA.
Technological Advancements in Ancient DNA Research
- Next-generation sequencing enabled scientists to obtain whole mitochondrial genomes, confirming earlier findings.
- Technological advancements have been crucial for the progress of ancient DNA research, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
