Ancient DNA

DNA, the hereditary material of all known living organisms, has a remarkable stability and can be analyzed even after very long periods of time. Such genetic material is referred to as ancient DNA.

Analysis of ancient DNA allows investigation of humans, animals, plants and other organisms that lived a long time ago. Preserved DNA constitute a part of our cultural heritage and can assist in analysis of the development of human societies and our shared history. Ancient DNA is also a time capsule that increase our understanding of the ecology and the evolution of life in the past.

The Ancient DNA unit, part of the SciLifeLab, ArchLab and Swedigarch national Swedish research infrastructures, provides analysis as service for a wide range of purposes. We provide processing of samples in our state-of-the-art cleanroom laboratory, and computational analysis optimized for ancient DNA sequence data. We can provide customized analysis based on user requirements and assist in project development. The Ancient DNA unit operates on provides subsidized analysis for Swedish and international research users and at-cost fees for contract archaeology projects and companies.

The Ancient DNA unit is a part of the Centre for Palaeogenetics, Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies, Stockholm University, and the Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University in Sweden. We collaborate with leading researchers in the field, providing access to the latest developments in methods and technology.

For more information or for discussing projects, you are welcome to contact us!

APPLICATIONS

• Assistance with project planning and sample selection
• Complete analysis to determine ancient DNA content in osteological material, dental material, plant material, hair and soft tissue
• Analysis of an individuals features such as sex, mitochondrial and Y chromosome haplogroup, and phenotypic traits
• Analysis of close kinship between individuals
• Custom laboratory and data analysis projects