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Science

Genetics Research - the oldest family tree

June 24, 2013

Researchers in Germany have discovered 3,000-year-old skeletons that luckily still bore traces of human DNA. Their analysis shows that the bones belong to three generations of an extended family whose descendants still live in the region today.

https://p.dw.com/p/18unV

The researchers are calling it the oldest proven family tree in the world - and are hoping to produce interesting insights into the impact of the environment on inherited genes among other aspects. The foundations for modern genetics research were laid 60 years ago when the structure of the DNA double helix was discovered. How has it changed the world of science? We discuss the issue with Dr. Thomas von Rintelen from the Leibniz Institute for Research on Evolution and Biodiversity at the Natural History Museum in Berlin