Geologically ancient DNA: fact or artefact?

TY - JOUR

T1 - Geologically ancient DNA: fact or artefact?

AU - Hebsgaard, Martin Bay

AU - Phillips, Matthew J.

AU - Willerslev, Eske

PY - 2005

Y1 - 2005

N2 - Studies continue to report ancient DNA sequences and viable microbial cells that are many millions of years old. In this paper we evaluate some of the most extravagant claims of geologically ancient DNA. We conclude that although exciting, the reports suffer from inadequate experimental setup and insufficient authentication of results. Consequently, it remains doubtful whether amplifiable DNA sequences and viable bacteria can survive over geological timescales. To enhance the credibility of future studies and assist in discarding false-positive results, we propose a rigorous set of authentication criteria for work with geologically ancient DNA.

AB - Studies continue to report ancient DNA sequences and viable microbial cells that are many millions of years old. In this paper we evaluate some of the most extravagant claims of geologically ancient DNA. We conclude that although exciting, the reports suffer from inadequate experimental setup and insufficient authentication of results. Consequently, it remains doubtful whether amplifiable DNA sequences and viable bacteria can survive over geological timescales. To enhance the credibility of future studies and assist in discarding false-positive results, we propose a rigorous set of authentication criteria for work with geologically ancient DNA.

U2 - 10.1016/j.tim.2005.03.010

DO - 10.1016/j.tim.2005.03.010

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 15866038

SN - 0966-842X

VL - 13

SP - 212

EP - 220

JO - Trends in Microbiology

JF - Trends in Microbiology

IS - 5

ER -