DNA from hair

Materials and methods It is difficult to authenticate ancient human DNA sequences, and it may even be impossible in certain cases. Several studies have demonstrated how even stringent controls can fail to prevent or detect contamination [S1,S2]. Consequently, the methods and samples were chosen to maximize the chance of preventing or limiting contamination. Long-term DNA survival in hair Long-term DNA survival was analysed in twelve hair samples aged between 60 and more than 65,000 years. The samples were as follows: Andaman Islander Two DNA extractions were made from hair cuttings of an Onge tribal individual, sampled in the Andaman Islands (DNA extraction Tg415a, Tg415b). The hair is believed to have been collected in 1953 by a Harold Lehrmann and has been stored by his family at room temperature in a paper envelope since. The hair fibres were matted together with a red clay-like substance. A portion of the matted hair sample was sent to E.W. and A.J.H. in Copenhagen for independent replication