UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
LIFE SCIENCE RESEARCH SEMINARS
Web: http://events.um.edu.mt/scisem/
Email: scisem@um.edu.mt
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Ancient and Modern DNA and Archaeology
Josef Caruana
WA Flat 2E, Opal Gardens, Anson Road Manchester, M14 5EU
+447922270115 (UK) 79092230 (Malta)
Josef.Caruana-2@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk
30th March 2009
Abstract
In this seminar the techniques used in ancient DNA analysis will be explained, and a brief
history of ancient DNA research will also be given. The seminar will deal with the problems
faced by the researcher when working with ancient DNA and how these are tackled,
including the major problem of every ancient DNA study – contamination. The protocols
followed when working with ancient DNA in order to obtain reliable results will also be
explained.
The questions that may be resolved by means of studying ancient DNA will be listed, and
case studies presented in order to explain how ancient DNA has been used in order to answer
archaeological questions on kinship analysis, paleodisease, the Neolithic migrations into
Europe, domestication, and whether the Neanderthals contributed genetically to the make up
of modern humans.
A description of the research project I am doing on Maltese samples from two Roman burial
sites will also be given, followed by the work concerning population genetics I would like to
conduct on modern Maltese samples.