Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42309606›Full record

ArticleJournal, genetic engineering & biotechnology2026

Recovery and analysis of ancient DNA: challenges, methods, and applications in forensic and archaeological science.

Jay Silverstein, Amber Chapman

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Genes · 2026
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Jay SilversteinDepartment of Physical Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, 101 Erasmus Darwin Building, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK. Electronic address: jay.silverstein@ntu.ac.uk.
Amber ChapmanDepartment of Physical Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, UK.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Ancient DNA (aDNA) research has revolutionised archaeology and forensic science by enabling genomic recovery from highly degraded remains. This review explores the biochemical and environmental factors influencing aDNA preservation, alongside methodological advances that have improved data yield and authenticity. Techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), single-stranded library preparation, and hybridisation capture have transformed the field, allowing recovery from ultrashort fragments and challenging contexts such as warm climates. Authentication strategies-including cytosine deamination profiling, fragment length analysis, and rigorous contamination controls-remain essential to ensure reliability. Applications of aDNA extend beyond ancestry reconstruction and population genetics to include forensic identification, kinship analysis, and pathogen detection. Lessons from forensic genetics, such as stringent validation and contamination mitigation, have informed best practices in archaeological contexts. However, ethical considerations are central to both domains. Issues of Indigenous data sovereignty, consent, repatriation, and culturally sensitive interpretation demand transparent, community-led research frameworks. These principles align with international agreements such as the Nagoya Protocol and emerging guidelines for equitable benefit-sharing. Despite significant progress, challenges persist, including geographic sampling bias, interpretive uncertainty, and the need for interdisciplinary integration. Future directions emphasise long-read sequencing, metagenomic approaches, and artificial intelligence-driven analytics, alongside robust ethical governance. By combining technological innovation with culturally responsible practices, aDNA research continues to advance our understanding of human history while reinforcing the importance of ethical stewardship in forensic and archaeological science.

Indexed as

AncestryAncient DNAEthical archaeologyEthical geneticsForensic geneticsMetagenomicsNext-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Identifiers

PMID42309606
PMCPMC13156627

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.