The world’s first research centre created specifically to study ancestral DNA has opened today at the University of Copenhagen, according to a university press release.
Scientists at the new ‘Centre for Geogenetics’ at the university's Natural History Museum will focus on tracing the DNA of extinct species, hoping to answer questions such as why certain animals died out. In addition, the research will endeavour to understand climate change that has occurred in the past – work that could have significant implications for issues regarding our planet’s climate now and in the future.
Renowned DNA researcher Professor Eske Willerslev and his team will open the centre today amidst genuine excitement within the field internationally. Earlier this year, Willerslev and his research partner Morten Rasmussen caused a global sensation when they became the first scientists to re-create and map genes from a prehistoric human - a man from the now extinct Inuk people.
Willerslev said that the research conducted at the new centre will also ultimately lead to advances within disease treatment through precise analyses of hitherto unknown virus and bacteria strains.
The Copenhagen Post
