No bones needed: ancient DNA in soil!!!

[hardaker]

A week ago this would have been OLD WORLD material. In light of the Cerutti Mastodon Site at 130k, it might well apply over here, too. From the soil, they can pick up DNA. The researchers began at Denisova Cave, then examine known Neanderthal sites in Europe, and then the suggestion is made, hey, isn't there a site over in San Diego that might have some human (Homo john doe) DNA residues -- maybe something they will do in the future? If they can discover presence through soils, we are living in a brave new world. And whoever is taking calls at their office has probably quit!

No bones needed: ancient DNA in soil can tell if humans were around
https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/04 ... re-around/

[circumspice]

Not trying to be a naysayer but it seems to me that every site they found human DNA in the soil came from a protected site, such as a cave. I wonder if it's possible to find ancient DNA in open air sites? Is there any info on that?

[hardaker]

when you read the article you will find that it is best preserved in caves in cold climates.
why do you have to cop an instant 'tude instead of spending a couple minutes reading the article?

[circumspice]

I did read the article. It didn't say whether or not ancient DNA can be recovered from open air sites. My question was whether there is any additional info available.