Scientists have for the first time isolated and sequenced RNA from woolly mammoth remains. The RNA came from tissue preserved in the Siberian permafrost for nearly 40,000 years and is the oldest RNA ever recovered.
The research team analysed frozen muscle remains from Yuka, a juvenile mammoth that died almost 40,000 years ago. Emilio Mármol, a postdoctoral researcher at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, said RNA gives direct evidence of which genes are "turned on". He worked with scientists from SciLifeLab and the Centre for Palaeogenetics.
The recovered RNA can show which genes were active near the time of death. The authors say that combining RNA with DNA, proteins and other preserved biomolecules could give new information. The study appears in the journal Cell and the University of Copenhagen reported it.
Difficult words
- isolated — to separate something from other things
- sequenced — to find the order of parts in something
- permafrost — soil that stays frozen for many years
- tissue — material made of cells in a plant or animal
- juvenile — a young animal or person
- recovered — to get something back after loss or damage
- genes — a part inside cells that controls traits
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What information could scientists learn by studying RNA from ancient animals?
- Why is finding preserved tissue in permafrost important for research?
Related articles
Fly Poo Boosts Malawi Crop Yields
Farmers in Malawi are using a new organic fertiliser made from black soldier fly waste to improve their crop yields and farming practices.
AI Diagnostics Can Help Health Crisis in Sudan
Sudan is facing a health crisis due to war, with AI being used to improve medical diagnosis. Limited healthcare resources and violence have made traditional medical services difficult to access.
Insights About Propane to Propylene Conversion
Researchers have created algorithms to better understand how propane changes to propylene, which is important for many everyday products.
Reliable Internet Unavailable for 90% of Poorest
A report highlights that 90% of people in low- and middle-income countries lack reliable internet access, affecting their ability to access essential services.
‘A Great Loss’—Ochieng’ Ogodo Passes Away
Kenyan science journalist Ochieng’ Ogodo, former editor at SciDev.Net, has passed away, leaving a significant impact on science journalism in Africa.
Preserving Bangladesh's Multilingual Diversity Through Digital Platforms
The Multiling.cloud project aims to protect endangered languages in Bangladesh by digitizing them. This effort is vital for cultural preservation and education.