Lisa Matisoo-Smith
A new laboratory at the University of Otago is expected
to unlock secrets about the genetic heritage of Pacific people,
animals and plants, scientists and anthropologists say.
The ancient DNA laboratory, officially opened on Thursday,
will allow scientists to extract DNA from bones, teeth and
plant matter.
The DNA will be analysed using the latest technology,
including the university's $1 million gene sequencing machine
bought last year.
The $300,000 facility is a joint project between the
Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology and the
Department of Anthropology, Sociology and Gender Studies.
It was established so Prof Lisa Matisoo-Smith, who came to
Otago in March from the University of Auckland, could expand
her studies using genetic evidence to track human migration
and settlement in the Pacific.
Ancient DNA did not necessarily mean from antiquity, Prof
Matisoo-Smith said on Thursday.
In scientific terms, ancient meant any DNA samples which were
not taken from living subjects.
But some of the samples the laboratory would handle would be
thousands of years old, she said.
Already, projects were planned with samples from many parts
of New Zealand, several Pacific islands and from Chile.
About 50 people attended the opening, including
representatives of Maori iwi whose ancestors' DNA will be
analysed in the laboratory.
They spoke of their initial reluctance to allow their
ancestors' remains to be analysed because of the
intrusiveness of the process.
But they said their discussions with Prof Matisoo-Smith and
her staff had allayed their fears and they were hoping the
laboratory would provide interesting information on how their
ancestors lived, what they ate and what they looked like.
Respecting the remains of people from the past was paramount,
Prof Matisoo-Smith said.
The laboratory is off-limits to all but authorised staff.
Prof Matisoo-Smith said an ultra-clean environment had to be
preserved to ensure ancient DNA samples were not
contaminated.
allison.rudd@odt.co.nz
What is DNA?
- Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the hereditary material
which contains the genetic instructions used in the
development and functioning of all known living organisms and
some viruses.
- It is what makes living things uniquely different from one
another.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.