Sampling DNA from animal skin parchments
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to study DNA in ancient parchment manuscripts. This technique allows for the analysis of genetic material from animal skins used in manuscripts dating from the eighth century to the early 1900s. The findings provide insights into livestock farming, parchment production, and trade patterns across various regions.
- ▪The study focused on 91 parchment manuscripts preserved at Duke University’s library.
- ▪Researchers used small cytology brushes to collect DNA samples without damaging the manuscripts.
- ▪About 58 percent of the samples passed quality tests for species identification, revealing a predominance of sheep, cattle, and goats.
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| Original publisher | Archaeology News Online Magazine |
| Canonical URL | https://archaeologymag.com/2026/05/nondestructive-dna-sampling-of-ancient-parchments/ |
| Publication time | Mon, 25 May 2026 16:58:44 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-25T17:07:38.860Z |
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Researchers have developed a way to study DNA preserved inside ancient parchment manuscripts without damaging the documents. The work focused on animal skins used to produce manuscripts dating from the eighth century through the early 1900s. By analyzing genetic material from those skins, the team gathered new information about livestock farming, parchment production, and trade patterns across several regions.Jean Le Noir. Miniature from Psalter of Bonne of Luxemburg, 1348-49 CE, Metropolitan Museum. Public domainThe study appeared in the journal Manuscript Studies. Researchers examined 91 parchment manuscripts preserved at Duke University’s David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
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