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It is well known that attempts are being made world-wide to amplify
traces of dinosaur DNA, so far without success. We drilled a
core from an egg known to contain both cartilage and well-preserved
bone. The core was subjected to the usual cleaning techniques
to reduce the possibility of contamination with DNA from a modern
source. |
It was then ground to powder and subjected to the same techniques
that have been used successfully to extract residual DNA from
less ancient fossil bones. We have so far failed to detect
any trace of DNA. Perhaps we should be relieved, bearing in mind
that we might have amplified the DNA of Upper Cretaceous bacteria,
fungi and dermestid beetles! |
