Human DNA can survive on cave walls for thousands of years, opening new window into prehistory
Scientists can now recover ancient human DNA from cave walls, unlocking secrets of prehistoric visitors.
Velocity
How fast coverage is spreading — measured hourly from article rate × source diversity. How this works →
The brief
Scientists have extracted ancient human DNA from cave walls, marking a significant breakthrough in archaeological science. Coverage indicates that this genetic material is capable of surviving on these surfaces for thousands of years. Reporting from National Geographic, Discover Magazine, Nature, and Phys.org emphasizes that this is the first instance of such extraction.
A Portuguese team is specifically credited with discovering prehistoric DNA within rock art. The focus is on identifying who physically touched these ancient sites. Further research is expected to investigate the preservation of ancient human DNA in rock art environments.
Outlets suggest this methodology may aid in resolving historical mysteries regarding prehistoric human activity.
Synthesized by PULSE from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 91d ago.
Quick answers
Where was the DNA found?
The DNA was found on cave walls and in rock art.
How long can the DNA survive?
According to coverage, human DNA can survive on cave walls for thousands of years.
Who conducted the research?
A Portuguese team is credited with discovering prehistoric DNA in rock art.
Coverage (6)
- In a first, scientists extract ancient human DNA from cave walls National Geographic · 94d ago
- Ancient Human DNA on Cave Walls Could Reveal Who Touched These Sites Discover Magazine · 96d ago
- Portuguese team discovers prehistoric DNA in rock art The Portugal News · 96d ago
- Investigating ancient human DNA preservation on cave walls and in rock art Nature · 96d ago
- Stones & Bones: Solving one of humanity’s oldest ‘missing person’ cases National Geographic · 96d ago
- Human DNA can survive on cave walls for thousands of years, opening new window into prehistory Phys.org · 96d ago
Topics
Related trends
5,000-year-old arrow emerges as Norway’s melting mountain ice reveals older archaeological finds
Melting mountain ice in Norway reveals ancient artifacts, including a 5,000-year-old arrow and Stone Age finds.
Anthropic’s AI biolab finds ‘CRISPR-like’ DNA in viruses. What’s next?
Anthropic's AI biolab has identified DNA sequences in viruses that function similarly to CRISPR, marking a significant discovery in genomic research.
Systematic mapping of bacteriophage gene essentiality with HIDEN-SEQ
Researchers have introduced HIDEN-SEQ, a new method for the systematic mapping of gene essentiality within bacteriophages.
Pompeii's destruction helps calibrate volcanic dating to within decades
5 news sources are covering this Science story right now — PULSE is tracking how fast it spreads.
New tool closes gap in harnessing untapped potential of phages
Recent scientific coverage highlights new tools and guidelines aimed at unlocking the potential of bacteria-killing phages against superbugs.
Escape of the BC200 gene to a human poxvirus reveals its persistent transposition in primates
Researchers discover a mobile human jumping gene, specifically BC200, residing inside a human poxvirus.