The Beachy Head Woman, a Roman-era individual, has been a puzzle for years. Initially, experts thought she might have come from sub-Saharan Africa or the Mediterranean. But new DNA research tells a different story. Scientists at the Natural History Museum in London used advanced DNA techniques to st
Napoleon's retreat from Russia in 1812 was a disaster. About 300, 000 soldiers died out of a force of roughly 500, 000. This event marked the start of the end for Napoleon's empire. Scientists recently studied DNA from the teeth of 13 French soldiers buried in a mass grave in Vilnius, Lithuania. The
Sexual assault investigations often face a tricky situation. There are usually more female cells than male cells in the evidence. This makes it hard to get clear DNA results. Scientists have been testing different ways to separate these cells. They want to find the best method to identify the attack
A mysterious skull, affectionately named the dragon man, has puzzled experts for ages. This ancient relic, dating back 146, 000 years, was first uncovered in Harbin, China, during the 1930s. For a long time, scientists believed it might represent a brand-new species of early humans. However, recent
The Dragon Man skull, a giant human-like cranium, was first unearthed in 1933 by a worker in Harbin City, China. The skull was later donated to science in 2018. This skull is massive, with a long, low braincase, a prominent brow ridge, a broad nose, and large eyes. It was initially classified as a n
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors, or GISTs, are a type of tumor that can grow in the digestive system. These tumors can occur in both dogs and humans. They are often linked to changes, or mutations, in a gene called KIT. Scientists took samples from 55 cases of canine GISTs. They looked for spec
DNA testing has become a big deal in forensics. It helps solve crimes by identifying people through their genetic material. One type of DNA test looks at insertions and deletions of genetic code. These are known as InDels. A new test, the 36-InDelplex panel, was created to spot human DNA. It focuses
In Japan, sika deer pose a significant threat to crops. To manage their population, hunters are paid to cull them. However, not all hunters follow the rules. Some leave the deer carcasses behind, which is illegal. This is where DNA analysis comes into play. It helps match abandoned deer with the tai
The current methods for extracting DNA from bones are not perfect. They often destroy the bone and have unpredictable results. When bones are ground into a fine powder, the DNA inside can break apart. Plus, unwanted substances can mix in, making the DNA harder to study. Despite some attempts to chan
Teeth are tough. They can stand up to a lot, including strong acids. This is important for forensic scientists. They often need to identify people from remains. Teeth are great for this because they hold onto DNA well. Even when exposed to harsh chemicals, teeth can still give up their DNA secrets.
