| Geologically ancient DNA: fact or artefact? |
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| Author(s): Hebsgaard MB, Phillips MJ, Willerslev E |
| Source: TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY Volume: 13 Issue: 5 Pages: 212-220 Published: MAY 2005 |
| Times Cited: 37 References: 63 |
| Abstract: Studies continue to report ancient DNA sequences and viable microbial cells that are many millions of years old. In this paper we evaluate some of the most extravagant claims of geologically ancient DNA. We conclude that although exciting, the reports suffer from inadequate experimental setup and insufficient authentication of results. Consequently, it remains doubtful whether amplifiable DNA sequences and viable bacteria can survive over geological timescales. To enhance the credibility of future studies and assist in discarding false-positive results, we propose a rigorous set of authentication criteria for work with geologically ancient DNA. |
| Document Type: Editorial Material |
| Language: English |
| Reprint Address: Willerslev, E (reprint author), Univ Oxford, Dept Zool, S Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PS, England |
Addresses:
1. Univ Oxford, Dept Zool, Oxford OX1 3PS, England
2. Univ Copenhagen, Niels Bohr Inst, Ctr Evolutionary Genet, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE LONDON, 84 THEOBALDS RD, LONDON WC1X 8RR, ENGLAND |
| Subject Category: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Microbiology |
| IDS Number: 931DX |
| ISSN: 0966-842X |
| DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2005.03.010 |