We got to know the genetic profile of humans from before four thousand. years after multiple, confirmed tests. We have no doubts about it – noted in an interview with PAP Andrzej Ossowski from PAM, who conducts the research.
It is extremely difficult to isolate nuclear DNA from material from several thousand years ago, emphasized Ossowski. He explained that such old material is usually very damaged.
The key role here is played by the time from the moment of finding the find to starting the research. In order for there to be a chance to isolate DNA, bones must be frozen immediately after extraction, and no one must touch them before the research – explained Ossowski. This time, we managed to immediately secure the material for research, because geneticists were together with archaeologists during the excavations.
An unusual tomb from four thousand years ago, with the remains of three people, was found by archaeologists from Szczecin a year and a half ago.
Krzysztof Kowalski, an archaeologist from the Szczecin National Museum, said that detailed research of the found bones was undertaken because it is a particularly rare find in the West Pomeranian region.
During this period, people were buried in single graves, but sometimes we come across mass graves. The first thought is that family members were buried together – but nothing confirms this. They may as well be complete strangers buried together for some as yet unknown reason. Kowalski hopes that after the research is completed, it will be known whether the kinship was related to these people from before 4. years.
Research in terms of genetics was undertaken by scientists from PAM, who on a daily basis deal with examining particularly damaged remains, e.g. burned or very old ones for the purposes of forensics.
Ossowski said that the genetic profile of one of the three people in the grave was identified. Further research is aimed at establishing the kinship between people buried together.
Genetics is a rapidly evolving field and new research methods are being developed. I think that in the near future we will be able to examine this DNA for changes and determine, for example, what diseases the man from the Neolithic suffered from – said Ossowski.
According to Kowalski, the research undertaken by geneticists from PAM will provide a reservoir of data for further research on the population inhabiting the area. It will be possible to determine, among others whether and how closely related groups inhabited the area in the Neolithic period, or maybe there were people who came from distant areas and were genetically very diverse. (PAP)