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Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Measuring Carbon-based Contaminant Mineralization Using Combined CO2 Flux and Radiocarbon Analyses
Published on: October 21, 2016
A combined method for DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating from a single sample.
Petra Korlević1, Sahra Talamo2, Matthias Meyer3
1Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany. petra_korlevic@eva.mpg.de.
This new method allows ancient DNA and radiocarbon dating from a single bone sample, minimizing destructive sampling. It significantly increases DNA recovery while preserving collagen for accurate dating.
Area of Science:
- Paleogenomics
- Radiocarbon Dating
- Archaeological Science
Background:
- Current ancient DNA and radiocarbon dating methods require destructive sampling of precious archaeological specimens.
- Minimizing sample destruction is crucial for preserving valuable ancient bone and tooth material.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for simultaneous ancient DNA sequencing and radiocarbon dating from the same bone sample.
- To reduce the destructive impact of current analytical protocols on archaeological remains.
Main Methods:
- Releasing DNA from bone matrix using EDTA or phosphate buffer before demineralization and collagen extraction.
- Utilizing the established acid-base-acid-gelatinization and ultrafiltration procedure for collagen extraction.
- Comparing DNA yield and collagen integrity between treated and untreated samples.
Main Results:
- Successfully obtained both ancient DNA sequences and radiocarbon dates from the same sample material.
- Released an average of 89% of DNA with minimal collagen loss (38% without any detectable loss).
- Confirmed no significant skews in radiocarbon dates compared to untreated samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed method enables simultaneous ancient DNA and radiocarbon analysis, reducing destructive sampling.
- This approach significantly enhances DNA recovery from limited archaeological material.
- The protocol preserves collagen integrity, ensuring reliable radiocarbon dating alongside genetic analysis.
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