Evaluation of DNA and collagen preservation in Late Pleistocene and Holocene bovid fossils from South Africa

2026/05/27 by Deon de Jager, Andi M Wilson, Alba Rey-Iglesia +7 · 1 voice
Social Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Arts and Humanities · #Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology #Forensic and Genetic Research #Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies

paper · doi:10.1016/j.quascirev.2026.110076

Abstract

• DNA is preserved in the majority of Holocene fossils. • Four Pleistocene fossils from 12,000 to 50,000 years-old preserve endogenous DNA. • Collagen is preserved only in Holocene fossils. • Fossils were digitized via 3D models, photographs, and occurrence records. • Considerations shared for palaeogenetic studies on fossils from lower latitudes.

Citations

• Rapid Quantification of Bone Collagen Content by ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy
• The half-life of DNA in bone: measuring decay kinetics in 158 dated fossils
• The survival of organic matter in bone: a review

Discussions

• The oldest DNA retrieved from an animal fossil is ~1.6 million years old - a mammoth from icy Siberia where cold temperatures preserve DNA well. But have you ever wondered how long #ancientDNA is pres [bsky, 59 points, 2 comments]

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