X-raying ancient bone. A destructive method in connection with DNA analysis

Authors

  • Anders Götherström Archaeological Research Laboratory, Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies, Stockholm University
  • Cornelia Fischer
  • Karin Lindén
  • Kerstin Lidén Archaeological Research Laboratory, Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies, Stockholm University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65612/jonas.v8i.66114

Abstract

The damaging effects of ionizing radiation on DNA has been known for a long time, but in archaeology, methods using X-rays are often considered to be non destructive. We have tried to visualize the danger in exposing organic archaeolo-gical material to X-rays by extracting and amplifying DNA from radiated pig bone samples. The more the sample had been exposed to X-rays, the harder it was to amplify DNA from it. If DNA analysis is to be used on archaeological material, samples should be removed before X-raying.

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Published

1995-01-01

Issue

Vol. 8 (1995)

Section

Original Articles

License

Copyright for content in Volumes 3 – 7 is held by the authors.

Copyright for content in Volumes 8 – 20 is held by the Archaeological Research Laboratory.