Scientists extract DNA from centuries-old parchment without harming historic texts

A multidisciplinary group from North Carolina State University demonstrated that DNA can be harvested from parchment manuscripts without altering the artifacts. By gently brushing the surface with a dry cytology brush, the researchers gathered skin cells from 91 documents housed in Duke University's Rubenstein Library, covering regions from England to Ethiopia. The collected samples underwent next-generation sequencing, producing extensive genetic data that may illuminate ancient trade networks, the evolution of domesticated animals and the provenance of the texts.

Tim Stinson emphasized that the technique overcomes long-standing concerns about damaging culturally valuable items. Co-author Matthew Breen highlighted the potential to study livestock disease history and breed development through these genetic archives. The study, published in the open-access journal Manuscript Studies, aims to open a new interdisciplinary field linking genetics with historical scholarship.