Tides of History Combining Ancient DNA and History: Interview with Dr. Pontus Skoglund
Apr 24, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Pontus Skoglund, group leader at the Francis Crick Institute's Ancient Genomics Laboratory, sheds light on how ancient DNA reshapes our understanding of history. He explores how genetic evidence reveals migrations in Iron Age and Medieval Europe, challenging traditional narratives. The conversation dives into the evolution of DNA research, its intersection with historical texts, and the implications of cultural movements on genetics. Dr. Skoglund emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches to uncover the intricacies of our past.
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Ancient DNA Reveals Evolutionary History
- Ancient DNA lets us study evolution through actual genetic changes over time, not just present-day proxies.
- It reveals history's impact on genes via migration, genetic drift, and selection processes.
DNA as an Ancient Manuscript
- Ancient DNA data offers unprecedented, rich insights into human history beyond what texts or archaeology alone provide.
- DNA acts like an ancient manuscript holding detailed information about people from the past.
Ancient DNA Decodes Ancestry and Kinship
- Ancient DNA can determine genetic sex, close biological relationships, and ancestry in archaeological samples.
- Ancestry reflects a time dimension since a person’s heritage changes when looking across thousands of years.