PaleoDNA-DNA Extraction Services, DNA Analysis

It is now increasingly difficult to publish RESEARCH on paleo human or other animal/plant life that doES not mention DNA.

Articles with DNA studies will always be the most up-to-date. On the other hand, in many instances DNA studies cannot be done. It is necessary to at least discuss in your article the reason why DNA evidence has not been obtained. With amino acid racemization testing, you can identify the likely candidates, if any, for future paleoDNA analysis.

WHAT DO THE RESULTS LOOK LIKE?

The results are presented in the form of a table listing the D/L ratios and principal amino acid compositions of your sample. An explanation of how to use this table is included, along with pertinent scientific journal references. The table can be included in your published article or report.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE RACEMIZATION TESTS YIELD PROMISING RESULTS?

This generally leads to a separate research project and another, later publication. MicroAnalytica offers complete paleoDNA extraction services in its special contamination-free clean room facility. The DNA obtained is then ready for PCR amplification, sequencing, typing and other studies.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE RACEMIZATION TESTS YIELD UNPROMISING RESULTS?

The tables of D/L ratios and amino acid compositions would still be included in your article or report. This would show that you are cognizant of the potential of DNA and have demonstrated that it is not possible in your case. You are, therefore, "off the hook" for potential complaints from reviewers.

AMINO ACID EXTRACTION UNDER CLEAN ROOM CONDITIONS
(unique to MicroAnalytica)

To ensure representative results with future paleoDNA analyses, MicroAnalytica applies the same ultra-clean DNA environment to its amino acid analyses.

Ultra-high purity, amino acid/DNA free reagents are used in all stages of analysis.

Samples are prepared in a negative pressure air-lock environment to eliminate contaminants.

Extractions are performed in a germicidally irradiated, ULPA filtered air chamber.

All analyses are performed by operators using the latest clean-room apparatus and apparel.