Nondestructive DNA sampling reveals 1,300 years of secrets in historic parchments

Researchers have demonstrated a nondestructive way to collect cellular material from historical parchment manuscripts, allowing them to conduct genetic analyses that offer new insights into everything from trade routes to agricultural practices dating back 1,300 years—without harming the valuable manuscripts. The paper, "Adventures in the Animal Archive: New Techniques for the Genetic Analysis of Parchment Manuscripts," is published in the journal Manuscript Studies.