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Updated: May 9, 2026

Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
DNA analysis of skeletal tissue recovered from the English Channel
Jamie Fredericks1, Kaia Brown, Anna Williams
1Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Shrivenham SN6 8LA, UK. jfredericks@hotmail.co.uk
Abstract:
This case study reports on DNA analysis from different skeletal elements of an individual recovered 2 years after going missing in the English Channel. Selected bones were also re-submerged for an additional 2 years and re-analysed. By comparing results from both time points, this study concludes that high-load-bearing bones, particularly the bones of the feet, appear to be a preferable source of DNA for identification of skeletal tissue recovered from similar conditions.

