Mummy DNA unveils the history of ancient Egyptian hookups
by Helen Thompson
4:30pm, May 31, 2017
Egyptian mummies are back in style at the summer box office — and in genetics labs. A study of genetic blueprints from 90 mummies repairs the frayed reputation of sarcophagus occupants as sources of ancient DNA. And it reveals evidence of a hookup history with foreigners from the east.
An Egyptian mummy served up the first ancient human DNA sample in 1985 (SN: 4/27/85, p. 262). But both chemicals used in mummification and Egypt’s steamy climate can degrade DNA, and scientists weren’t sure if mummies could supply samples free of modern contamination.
https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/science-ticker/mummy-dna-unveils-history-ancient-egyptian-hookups?mode=topic&context=49
