Uncovering the Identity of the Wearer of a 20,000-Year-Old Pendant Through DNA Analysis

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology have developed a non-destructive method for extracting DNA from ancient bones and teeth, which has been successfully applied to recover a woman's DNA from a 20,000-year-old deer tooth pendant. The method involves gradually releasing DNA trapped in bones and teeth, preserving the integrity of the artifacts. The pendant was made or worn by a woman who was closely related to an ancient group of individuals located further east Siberia, known as the "Ancient North Eurasians". The researchers are now eager to apply their novel approach to other Stone Age artifacts made from bone and teeth.