The secret hidden in these ancient manuscripts isn’t written in ink
Scientists have developed a non-destructive method to extract genetic material from historical parchment manuscripts. This breakthrough allows researchers to study the evolution of livestock and historical trade patterns without damaging rare artifacts.
Why it matters
This technique unlocks a vast, previously inaccessible biological archive that can provide new insights into human history and animal evolution.
Scientists have developed a way to recover cellular material from historic parchment manuscripts without damaging the documents. The technique makes it possible to analyze genetic information preserved in parchment and could reveal new details about trade, farming, and other aspects of life stretching back roughly 1,300 years.
Parchment is made from animal skin and was used for thousands of years across Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. It served as the material for many kinds of written records, including legal documents and maps. Because the skins retain biological material, parchment can preserve genetic clues alongside the words written on its surface.
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