Latest news with #DNAanalysis
Gizmodo
5 days ago
- Science
- Gizmodo
Ancient DNA Unlocks the Secret Recipe of Roman Fish Sauce
Ancient Romans were known for creating delicious sauces, including garum—a famous fish-based condiment. Scientists studying ancient DNA from a Roman-era salting plant in Spain have found that European sardines were the key ingredient. Fish was an important part of the ancient Roman diet, and Romans processed their catch for long-term preservation in coastal fish-salting plants called cetariae. There, they crushed and fermented small fish into pastes and sauces such as the iconic umami-flavored garum. Today, fermented fish-based sauces remain popular, whether in the form of classic Worcestershire sauce or the many fish sauces produced in Southeast Asia. Analyzing the fish used in Roman condiments could provide insight into the diets and culture of ancient people as well as information on fish populations of the time, but the intense processing that took place at the salting plants, among other things, makes it almost impossible to visually identify species from their remains. To overcome this limitation, an international team of researchers tested a different approach: DNA analysis. Despite the fact that grinding and fermentation accelerate genetic degradation, they were able to sequence DNA from fish remains found in a fish-salting vat at a cetaria in northwest Spain. This achievement sheds light on Roman-era sardines and opens the door for future research on archaeological fish remains. 'The bottoms of fish-salting vats offer a myriad of remains, yet one of the biggest challenges to studying pelagic fish from these contexts is the small size of the bone material,' the researchers wrote in a study published today in Antiquity. 'To our knowledge, genomic studies have yet to take advantage of the vast potential of this data source for elucidating past fish consumption and the population dynamics of commercially relevant fish species.' To test the validity of genetic analysis within this context, the team successfully extracted and sequenced DNA from the small bone remains of previously identified European sardines discovered at an ancient Roman fish-salting plant in the Spanish archaeological site of Adro Vello. Co-author Paula Campos—a researcher at the University of Porto specializing in ancient DNA—and her colleagues then compared the ancient DNA sequences with genetic data from contemporary sardines. They concluded that ancient sardines were genetically similar to their modern-day counterparts in the same region. This is notable, given that the species is known for its dispersal capabilities. 'Here, the authors demonstrate that, despite being crushed and exposed to acidic conditions, usable DNA can be recovered from ichthyological [fish] residues at the bottom of fish-salting vats,' the researchers explained. 'Analysis of these data has the potential to open a new research avenue into the subsistence economies, cultures, and diets of past human populations and provide information on fish populations that cannot be obtained from fishery catch data or modern specimens alone.' Ultimately, the study highlights a successful way of accessing an overlooked archaeological resource. It also confirms that in ancient Rome, fish weren't friends—they were very much food.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
Guatemala's Shark Meat Trade Exposed
Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis), one of the most commonly landed sharks on both coasts of ... More Guatemala. Silky sharks are listed under CITES Appendix II and are considered globally vulnerable. ullstein bild via Getty Images Every year, during the Roman Catholic Lent season, markets across Guatemala bustle with shoppers seeking out a traditional staple: shark and ray meat. Known collectively as elasmobranchs, these species are central to many meals during this religious period. But while the demand is well established, the path that meat takes from ocean to plate is far murkier. The country of Guatemala, bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, relies on a mix of domestic fisheries and international imports to meet this seasonal surge in consumption. Yet until recently, almost nothing was known about what species were actually being sold, where they were coming from, or whether those species were at risk. A recent nationwide study set out to change that, using DNA analysis to identify the specific sharks and rays found in Guatemalan markets. Scientists collected 370 samples in 2022, along with additional samples from 2016 and 2017, then used molecular tools to uncover the identities and ocean origins of the meat. The results were eye-opening. Researchers detected 19 different species, including many that are considered threatened with extinction. Several are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, meaning they require strict monitoring if traded internationally. But even more worrying is that 22% of the samples weren't shark or ray at all. No, they were teleost fish, mislabeled as elasmobranchs, intentionally or not. The study also found that Guatemala's inland markets, especially in its capital Guatemala City, are supplied mostly by shark and ray meat caught along the Pacific coast. However, some of the meat found in these inland markets came from the Atlantic coast as well, either from domestic fisheries or likely through imports. This mixture of sources means that consumers in places far from the coast may unknowingly be purchasing meat from two entirely different ocean ecosystems. One market located on the Atlantic coast was also found to be supplied exclusively with meat from the Atlantic Ocean, while markets on the Pacific coast relied mostly on catches from the Pacific Ocean; this geographic distribution of supply makes logistical sense (since coastal communities often consume what's locally available) but it complicates conservation efforts because species from the Atlantic and Pacific can belong to distinct populations with different levels of vulnerability. Without clear tracking of where the meat comes from, it is difficult for scientists and conservationists to evaluate the health of those populations or regulate how much can be sustainably harvested from each region. Cultural traditions and food security matter, but so does species conservation and responsible ... More trade. getty This holds particularly true for species like the silky shark ( Carcharhinus falciformis ), one of the most commonly landed sharks on both coasts of Guatemala. Silky sharks are listed under CITES Appendix II and are considered globally vulnerable. Because they are widespread and morphologically similar across regions, genetic techniques are essential to trace whether the meat in a market stall came from the Atlantic or Pacific. This level of detail (or what scientists call 'DNA zip coding') could allow regulators to tailor their management strategies to the specific population under threat. Right now, however, those strategies are lacking. While some imports of Pacific species are reported to CITES, national-level management of shark and ray landings on Guatemala's Pacific coast remains limited. On the Atlantic side, recent improvements in domestic fisheries oversight are a step in the right direction, but they need to be expanded and enforced to be effective. Better CITES enforcement is also crucial to ensure that imports, particularly from other parts of the Atlantic, are legal and sustainable. Globally, the shark and ray meat trade is large, growing, and poorly understood. It actually surpasses the fin trade in both volume and value! Elasmobranch meat provides both economic and nutritional security for many coastal communities, but the supply chains that carry it from 'boat to plate' are often… murky. Opaque, if you will. See, aggregated trade categories lump together dozens of species and product types, making it hard to trace individual species or enforce regulations. This lack of transparency makes it easier for threatened species to slip through the cracks and onto dinner plates. For countries like Guatemala, which depend on both domestic and international trade to feed a seasonal demand for elasmobranchs, better traceability is essential. Identifying what species are being consumed, where they come from, and how they are being fished is the first step toward ensuring that these resources remain available for future generations. This study marks the first nationwide attempt to do just that in Guatemala, and the results provide a blueprint for how science can support sustainable seafood consumption in complex trade environments. Because, ultimately, it's about balance. Cultural traditions and food security matter, but so does species conservation and responsible trade. Tools like genetic testing can help decision-makers see the full picture, not just the meat in the market. And with shark and ray populations facing increasing pressure worldwide, understanding where our food comes from has never been more important.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Yahoo
How investigators just ID'd remains of Ravenna woman found in Pa. 46 years ago
PERRY COUNTY, Pa. (WJW) — Human remains discovered in south-central Pennsylvania 46 years ago have been identified as those of a missing Ravenna woman. According to a release from Pennsylvania State Police, the remains were found along Route 322 in Watts Township on June 20, 1979. They were severely decomposed and mostly skeletonized. Man dies after being 'deliberately struck' by vehicle in Cleveland Metroparks: police They were found over an embankment along the shore of the Juniata River. The remains were identified as those of a woman, thought to be roughly 15 to 30 years of age, between 5'2″ and 5'9″ tall with brownish blonde hair. Investigators have continued to look into the case as technology has developed over the past 46 years. Recent advancements in DNA analysis and genetic genealogy prompted additional investigation in 2023. After analysis on two molars belonging to the woman, a distant family member was identified. Through additional DNA, other family members in the Ravenna area were found. The woman was identified as Dorris Joanne Girtz, originally of Ravenna/Streetsboro. She would have been 23 at the time of her disappearance. Freighter crashes into East Bank of the Flats, becomes stuck The cause and manner of her death are under investigation. Anyone with information on Girtz during the years of 1977 to 1979 or with information relating to her disappearance or death are asked to call the Pennsylvania State Police Newport Station at 717-567-3110 or PSP Tips at 1-800-472-8477. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Herald
05-06-2025
- The Herald
DNA analysis confirms remains are of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and partner
DNA analysis of human remains found in Rust De Winter in Limpopo on May 8 has positively linked them to those of journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli. The couple was reported missing on February 18. 'The human remains were analysed and matched with the reference sample of the biological relatives of the deceased,' police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said in a statement on Wednesday. Police have already notified both families. Four suspects arrested in this case are currently appearing before the KwaMhlanga magistrate's court on various charges including kidnapping, house robbery and possession of stolen property. The African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) welcomed the latest developments. They said they did not come as a surprise because the location where the remains were discovered was pointed out by the suspects after their arrest. They said this milestone would lead the families closer to the truth. 'We wish to convey our gratitude to the SAPS for keeping to their promise that in four weeks the results would be available. 'We confirm that the families in Ga-Rankuwa [Ndlovu] and Thembisa [Mdhluli] were visited earlier this evening by the police where the results were disclosed to them,' said Elijah Mhlanga, chairperson of the AMCF. He said the families were relieved and could now begin with plans for funerals. Acting chairperson of the NPC Antoinette Slabbert said it had been an agonising wait for the results after months of grief following the mysterious disappearance of the couple. 'We hope that the evidence will also serve in court in the murder charges against the accused,' Slabbert said. The memorial services and funeral arrangements will be communicated once the families have finalised the details. TimesLIVE
The Sun
03-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Bizarre 1,350-year-old burial of blue-eyed ‘Ice Prince' uncovered alongside dismembered sacrifice and treasure
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have uncovered the 1,350-year-old burial chamber of a young blue-eyed boy, packed full with ancient treasures. A small sword, rare silk clothes and a gold cross were just a handful of the items found with the child, indicating he came from a wealthy family. 5 5 5 He was buried in leather clothes, according to researchers, with a small sword on a richly decorated belt. The boy, who experts believe was 2.5-years-old when he died, was buried with silver bracelets on his arms and silver spurs attached to his shoes, according to a statement from the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation (BLfD). The boy has been dubbed the "Ice Prince" because archaeologists flash froze the burial chamber using liquid nitrogen to excavate its contents in a single block over 14 hours. DNA analysis suggested the boy had blue eyes and light-colored hair, while radiocarbon dating indicates he died between A.D. 670 and 680. A new study of the burial, which was first discovered in the town of Mattsies in Bavaria in 2021, has revealed the body was laid on a fur blanket within the chamber. One of the boy's garments was a long-sleeved shirt made from linen and trimmed with strips of silk. Silk was hard to come by at the time, and was only available through the Byzantine Empire, according to LiveScience. The cross, made from thin strips of gold, may also indicate early Christian beliefs, before Bavaria was Christianised in the eighth century. A bronze basin, a comb, a wooden bowl and a drinking cup with silver fittings were also placed on a woven mat at the foot of the body. The remains of hazelnuts, apples and a pear were also found, alongside dismembered remains of an animal. Experts first thought these bones belonged to a dog. However, the creature has since been identified as a piglet, which may have been cooked and placed as a food offering. The latest analysis from BLfD suggests the child died of a "chronic infection" in the middle-ear. "The boy's death must have shocked his regionally important family," the statement said. "They apparently made great efforts to give the child a burial in keeping with his social status." The burial chamber was made of stone, with a stone ceiling that sealed the remains and artefacts off from the world for 1,350 years. The entire burial, therefore, was in "excellent condition," according to the experts. While silk is relatively durable, it is still susceptible to degrading over time, which can make long-term preservation challenging. However, the tightly sealed was able to preserve much of the fabric, researchers said. 5 5
