Scientists Revive Genetic Material from 39,000-Year-old Mammoth, Offering Insights into Extinct Species
CHICAGO, IL – In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers have successfully extracted and analyzed RNA from the teeth of a 39,000-year-old mammoth discovered in siberia, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the genetic makeup of the extinct creature. The findings, presented this week at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting, demonstrate the potential to study ancient genomes beyond the limitations of DNA preservation.
The team, led by Love Dalén of the Center for Palaeogenetics in Stockholm, Sweden, utilized advanced imaging techniques and a novel biochemical approach to isolate and sequence the RNA. While DNA degrades over time, RNA-which plays a crucial role in gene expression-is even more fragile. This breakthrough overcomes previous obstacles in recovering genetic data from extremely old samples.
“this is the first time that RNA has been recovered from such an ancient sample,” explained Dalén. ”It opens up new possibilities for understanding the biology of extinct species and how they adapted to their environments.”
The research builds upon previous work with mammoth DNA, but RNA provides a different layer of information. DNA holds the blueprint for life, while RNA reveals which genes were actively being used at the time the mammoth lived. Analyzing the RNA revealed insights into cellular processes and possibly even the animal’s physiology.
The study also explored the neurological impact of competitive defeat. Researchers found that scoring against rivals activated the reward system in the brain, while conceding triggered the mentalization network and inhibited the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC)-a region responsible for cognitive control and decision-making. “Higher Football Supporters Fanaticism Scale scores correlated with reduced dACC activation during defeats, suggesting impaired emotional regulation in highly engaged fans,” said researchers led by Francisco Zamorano of the Universidad San Sebastián in Chile.
Separately, a study examining Portuguese diplomatic meals from 1910 to 2023 revealed how culinary choices were strategically used to foster geopolitical relationships.Researchers analyzed 457 menus, highlighting instances like a 1957 lunch for Queen Elizabeth II featuring regional Portuguese dishes and the symbolic use of “imperial” ice cream during a 1960 luncheon with the European Free Trade Association. A potential diplomatic oversight was also noted: Indian president Ramaswamy Venkataraman, a vegetarian, was served roast beef in 1990, prompting calls for further inquiry.
