This methodological study tests whether µCT scanning measurably harms ancient DNA preservation in archaeological human petrous portions. Across 93 samples, the authors do not find strong evidence that routine scanning systematically degrades key aDNA quality metrics. They also propose a more sustain
µCT scanning has become a valuable tool for documenting archaeological human remains before destructive sampling, especially when researchers work with the petrous portion of the temporal bone, one of the richest sources of ancient DNA.
This study tests whether routine µCT imaging actually damages ancient DNA preservation in archaeological petrous samples. Across 93 specimens, the authors do not find strong evidence that scanning systematically worsens key aDNA quality measures.
The petrous bone is prized in archaeogenetics because its dense structure often preserves DNA better than most other skeletal elements. But that same importance creates a tension: imaging, osteological study, and molecular sampling all compete for access to a limited and valuable piece of anatomy.
By comparing scanned and unscanned material, the researchers show that standard µCT workflows do not appear to cause major losses in endogenous DNA, coverage, or other core sequencing outcomes. That is encouraging for archaeologists who want better anatomical documentation without automatically compromising future genetic work.
Beyond the preservation question, the paper proposes a practical workflow that better balances imaging, osteobiography, and destructive sampling. The broader message is that documentation and biomolecular analysis do not have to be treated as enemies if collections are handled carefully and in the right order.
Source article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13075688/
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