Scientists have developed a non-destructive DNA extraction method Palaeolithic Remains.
In this, the objects were submerged in a sodium phosphate buffer while gradually increasing the temperature.
DNA trapped in ancient bone and tooth artifacts is released into the solution and enables further sequencing and analysis.
By washing the artifacts at temperatures of up to 90 degrees Celsius, we are able to extract DNA from the wash waters, while keeping the artifacts intact.
The researchers applied this new method to a deer tooth pendant from Denisova Cave and managed to recover DNA of a wapiti (species of elk) and an ancient human.
The DNA analyses allowed them to estimate the age of the pendant at around 19,000-25,000 years.
Generally, DNA extraction from ancient skeletal material can be destructive or can alter the specimens.