Forensic Technology and the Historical Archaeologist

Ancient bacterial DNA (aDNA) in dental calculus from archaeological human remains

“…Analyzing and comparing ancient DNA (aDNA) may also facilitate distinction between sites within an archeologically interesting area (Bollingono and Vigne, 2008;Fortea et al, 2008). Forensic scientists search for evidence of historic crimes through studies of (aDNA) (Schlablitsky et al, 2006;O'Rourke et al, 2000), and physicians use aDNA to study hereditary and infectious diseases in the past (Witas and Zawicki, 2006;Herrmann, 1998). It has also been suggested that studies of DNA from prehistoric bacteria or viruses may lead to the discovery of new approaches to fight modern versions of these infectious agents.…”