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Ancient DNA is thirteen years old

Nature Biotechnology volume 15, pages 855–858 (1997)Cite this article

Abstract

The first successful recovery of ancient DNA, from quagga and human mummies inspired significant enough interest to open an entire field of research. Efforts from many research groups, often in a hunt for the oldest sequences, showed that ancient DNA was a poor substrate for the enzymes used in molecular biology; it is present in tiny amounts, hard to purify, and frequently damaged. These obstacles have been partially overcome by the use of drastic laboratory precautions and by the introduction of polymerase chain reaction and phylogenetic studies. Ancient DNA analysis now finds applications in many research domains.

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  1. Eliane Béraud-Colomb: (e-mail: eliane@igs.cnrs-mrs.fr).

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  1. E.P.91 Structural and Genetic Information IBSM-CNRS, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13402, Marseille Cedex, France

    Stéphane Audio & Eliane Béraud-Colomb

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  1. Stéphane Audio
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Audio, S., Béraud-Colomb, E. Ancient DNA is thirteen years old. Nat Biotechnol 15, 855–858 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0997-855

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