South African Researchers Achieve Breakthrough in Ancient DNA Retrieval from Mammal Fossils
Researchers in South Africa have successfully retrieved ancient DNA from large mammal fossils dating back tens of thousands of years, a feat previously considered nearly impossible in warmer climates. This breakthrough, detailed in a study, involved testing 144 fossils ranging from 1,500 to 110,000 years old. The team found that DNA can be preserved for up to 50,000 years, with the oldest sample belonging to a mountain reedbuck from Boomplaas Cave. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that ancient DNA preservation is primarily limited to cold, northern regions with permafrost. The study focused on four antelope species, the African buffalo, and the extinct giant long-horned buffalo from six archaeological cave sites in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces. The findings indicate that while only a small percentage of the retrieved DNA belonged to the target species, the ability to extract it opens new avenues for studying African palaeontology and the genetic history of its extinct mammals. 
