Scientists find million-year-old DNA in Antarctica

A new study published in the scientific journal Nature CommunicationOn October 2, he says Scientists found the pieces DNA dating back a million years. Organic matter samples Found at the bottom of an area in the Scottish Sea, north of Antarctica.

The finds are technically called silkDNA as they are ancient samples that have been deposited – the material is considered the oldest material ever found on the seafloor. SedaDNA can be found in a variety of environments, such as subarctic permafrost or terrestrial caves, commonly dated to between 400,000 and 650,000 years ago..

Scientists at the University of Bonn in Germany found the DNA in 2019, and since then the material has gone through a contamination control process to ensure the accuracy of age markers. In addition, the team discovered single-celled diatom-like organisms dating back 540,000 years.

Thanks to the data analyzed, the researchers were able to attribute the abundance of diatoms to warmer periods.

“Antarctica is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to climate change, and it is a matter of urgency to examine the past and present responses of this polar marine ecosystem to environmental change,” the paper said.

million DNA

Polar marine environments are known for their cold temperatures, low oxygen and lack of UV radiation, and these factors are extremely important in keeping samples intact. In fact, the findings helped scientists understand How climate change will affect Antarctica’s future.

By knowing more about past changes on our planet, it is possible to find answers to how the planet’s ecosystem has responded, and that way scientists can try to predict the future of the South Pole.

“This is an interesting and important change associated with rapid worldwide sea level rise and massive ice loss in Antarctica due to natural warming,” said geologist Michael Weber of the University of Bonn.