About this Research Topic
The study of ancient DNA has revolutionized our knowledge of human populations by offering a window into the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of our species. By analyzing DNA extracted from ancient remains, such as from microorganisms found in mummified tissues, bone, and dental pulp, researchers can uncover the intricate relationships, migrations, and interactions between ancient populations. The combination of archaeological, anthropological, and genetic data has enabled us to reconstruct the tapestry of human history with unprecedented accuracy.
In recent years, revolutionary advances in ancient DNA research have propelled the field to new heights. High-throughput sequencing technologies, improved DNA extraction techniques, and enhanced analytical methodologies have provided unparalleled opportunities to recover and analyze ancient genetic material. The increasing availability of well-preserved samples from a wide range of time periods and geographic regions has facilitated ground-breaking discoveries, enabling scientists to explore the dynamics of ancient human populations with great precision.
While the potential of ancient DNA research is vast, it comes with its own set of challenges. The degradation and contamination of ancient DNA pose significant hurdles in obtaining reliable results. Complex laboratory protocols, rigorous contamination controls, and bioinformatics tools are essential to mitigate these challenges. Obtaining access to well-preserved ancient samples and addressing ethical considerations for sample acquisition are also areas that demand careful attention.
This Research Topic aims to showcase the breadth and significance of ancient DNA research in unraveling the history of human populations. It will provide a platform for researchers to present their findings on a wide range of topics, including paleomicrobiology, ancient migrations, population admixture events, genetic adaptations to changing environments, and the impact of ancient diseases on human populations. The scope of the Research Topic encompasses studies focusing on global human history as well as those delving into regional and localized genetic variations.
We particularly welcome contributions of Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Systematic Review, Method, Opinion, and Perspective articles on the following, but not limited to, subthemes:
• The detection, identification and characterization of microorganisms in ancient remains, such as oral paleomicrobiology.
• The characterization and analysis of ancient microbiomes.
• The origins and spread of pathogens.
• The reconstruction of whole-genome sequences for ancient genome analysis.
• The genetic structure and ancestral history of worldwide human populations.
• Adaptation of ancient populations to their local environments.
In recent years, revolutionary advances in ancient DNA research have propelled the field to new heights. High-throughput sequencing technologies, improved DNA extraction techniques, and enhanced analytical methodologies have provided unparalleled opportunities to recover and analyze ancient genetic material. The increasing availability of well-preserved samples from a wide range of time periods and geographic regions has facilitated ground-breaking discoveries, enabling scientists to explore the dynamics of ancient human populations with great precision.
While the potential of ancient DNA research is vast, it comes with its own set of challenges. The degradation and contamination of ancient DNA pose significant hurdles in obtaining reliable results. Complex laboratory protocols, rigorous contamination controls, and bioinformatics tools are essential to mitigate these challenges. Obtaining access to well-preserved ancient samples and addressing ethical considerations for sample acquisition are also areas that demand careful attention.
This Research Topic aims to showcase the breadth and significance of ancient DNA research in unraveling the history of human populations. It will provide a platform for researchers to present their findings on a wide range of topics, including paleomicrobiology, ancient migrations, population admixture events, genetic adaptations to changing environments, and the impact of ancient diseases on human populations. The scope of the Research Topic encompasses studies focusing on global human history as well as those delving into regional and localized genetic variations.
We particularly welcome contributions of Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Systematic Review, Method, Opinion, and Perspective articles on the following, but not limited to, subthemes:
• The detection, identification and characterization of microorganisms in ancient remains, such as oral paleomicrobiology.
• The characterization and analysis of ancient microbiomes.
• The origins and spread of pathogens.
• The reconstruction of whole-genome sequences for ancient genome analysis.
• The genetic structure and ancestral history of worldwide human populations.
• Adaptation of ancient populations to their local environments.
Keywords: ancient DNA, aDNA, human populations, migration, population genetics, paleogenomics, paleomicrobiology
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
