Human DNA, numbering about 20 thousand. years, were taken from the pendant, specifically - a deer tooth, which served as a pendant. It was found in the Denisova Cave in Siberia. Scientists from an international team used an innovative non-invasive method of obtaining a sample of genetic material.
Former ornaments made of animal bones or teeth are promising in terms of obtaining DNA samples. Their porous structure allows human body fluids, such as sweat, blood or saliva, to penetrate and settle there. By the way, human DNA is also deposited with them.
Scientists have developed a non-invasive method that allows DNA to be extracted from such objects without damaging them. It involves dipping them in a sodium phosphate solution and then slowly heating them up. In this way, DNA molecules that were previously trapped there, getting with blood, sweat or saliva, are washed out of such ornaments or other objects.
Scientists were able to get the DNA of the wapiti deer, which the tooth belonged to, and human DNA. It turned out to be the DNA of the woman who most likely owned the pendant.
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