QUICK-SETTING resin preserves the DNA of ancient plants and animals better
than resin that dries slowly, according to Scott Rogers of the State University
of New York in Syracuse. So the ability to recover DNA trapped in amber may
depend on whether or not the prehistoric Sun was shining. Rogers and his
colleagues added pieces of fungi to resin from Douglas fir trees. The
researchers found that the fungal DNA was well preserved in resin that dried
quickly in sunshine, but was severely damaged in slow-drying resin that was kept
in shade and immersed in water (Naturwissenschaften, vol 87, p 70). No
one knows how long preserved DNA keeps. 鈥淭here is not yet a firm date that has
been set for the longevity of DNA,鈥 says Rogers.
More from 51动漫
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Health
Three factors in midlife can delay the onset of dementia by 13 years
News
Health
Swallowing faecal capsules reduces peanut allergy in six adults
News
Environment
We must adapt to climate change while also tackling the root cause
Comment
Twisteddoodles: ‘Will you take the red pill or the blue pill?’
Regulars
Popular articles
Trending 51动漫 articles