Advancements and Challenges in Ancient DNA Research: Bridging the Global North-South Divide

Genes (Basel). 2023 Feb 14;14(2):479. doi: 10.3390/genes14020479.

Abstract

Ancient DNA (aDNA) research first began in 1984 and ever since has greatly expanded our understanding of evolution and migration. Today, aDNA analysis is used to solve various puzzles about the origin of mankind, migration patterns, and the spread of infectious diseases. The incredible findings ranging from identifying the new branches within the human family to studying the genomes of extinct flora and fauna have caught the world by surprise in recent times. However, a closer look at these published results points out a clear Global North and Global South divide. Therefore, through this research, we aim to emphasize encouraging better collaborative opportunities and technology transfer to support researchers in the Global South. Further, the present research also focuses on expanding the scope of the ongoing conversation in the field of aDNA by reporting relevant literature published around the world and discussing the advancements and challenges in the field.

Keywords: adaptation; ancient DNA; archaeogenetics; evolution; migration.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Ancient*
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Human Migration*
  • Humans

Substances

  • DNA, Ancient

Grants and funding

This research was funded by CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India, 500007.