Publications

Here we report 15 new single nucleotide polymorphism markers for the the threatened Chipanzee that span both Y chromosome and autosomal regions of the genome.

A review of recent claims about viable cells and microbial nucleic acids obtained from ice and permafrost hundreds to millions of years old. We also outline a set of precautions and controls to help ensure authenticity of future studies.

Here we report on the oldest known case of TB to be discovered in domestic dogs and highlight their role as potential reservoirs of TB in the Americas.

An analysis on the possible pitfalls 'numts' represent to mitochondrial DNA barcode data. We show that gorillas are particularly notable for possessing a variety of numt sequences bearing high similarity to authentic mtDNA.

Here we report a cross-species comparison of 10 X-chromosomal genes known to cause mental retardation in humans. Overall nucleotide diversity in these genes is lower both within and between species, suggesting a high level of purifying selection.

Here we summarize screening approaches that can identify well-preserved specimens for ancient DNA analysis.

Here we show that nuclear DNA can be recovered from non-permafrost remains, but amplifying one multicopy and three single-copy nuclear gene fragments from a coprolite stemming from the extinct Shasta ground sloth. Nuclear sequences such can open up many novel opportunities such as finer resolution in phylogenies and the characterization of genes behind individual traits.

A summary of 10 criteria to ensure replication and authentication of ancient DNA recovered from ancient and forensic samples.

Since fecal remnants are probably one of the major components of dry cave sediments, we decided to extract ancient DNA from the sediment of Rampart Cave, Arizaona (dated to approximately 11 thousand years old). Amplification of the extracted DNA with both 12S and 16S primers identified a variety of taxa including the Shasta ground sloth.