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Authentic Viking DNA From 1,000-Year-Old Skeletons

FiReaNGeL writes "Scientists were able to extract authentic DNA from ancient Viking skeletons, avoiding many of the problems of contamination faced by past researchers. Analysis of DNA from the remains of ancient humans provides valuable insights into such important questions as the origin of genetic diseases, migration patterns of our forefathers and tribal and family patterns. Using freshly sampled material from ten Viking skeletons from around AD 1,000, from a non-Christian burial site on the Danish island of Funen, Dissing and colleagues showed that it is indeed possible to retrieve authentic DNA from ancient humans."

13 of 189 comments (clear)

  1. next step by syrinx · · Score: 5, Funny

    Next step is to clone them and open a theme park, right?

    --
    Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum sonatur.
    1. Re:next step by Lurker2288 · · Score: 4, Funny

      I can hear Richard Attenborough now. "We have created creatures so astonishing that they will capture the imagination of the entire world...welcome, my friends, to Nordic Park."

      Just make sure to keep those electric fences on; last time the berserkers got out they took out an entire tour group from Milaukee.

    2. Re:next step by pizpot · · Score: 4, Funny

      no, this is the next step: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1nzEFMjkI4

  2. Re:Vikings come to Jurrasic Park by Fast+Thick+Pants · · Score: 4, Funny

    Just to be safe, we'd better make them all females.

  3. Oh no! by ettlz · · Score: 4, Funny

    Not more spam!

  4. Answers to Age Old Questions by TheLazySci-FiAuthor · · Score: 5, Funny

    I have some of the viking in my mish-mash genetic make up - they were very good, after all, at getting their genes spread widely.

    perhaps this research will confirm my suspicion that the Viking lineage is where I acquired my most powerful gene

  5. Re:Vikings come to Jurrasic Park by Chemisor · · Score: 5, Funny

    What makes you think that would be more safe?

  6. No need by sxltrex · · Score: 4, Funny

    Authentic vikings still walk the earth today.

    This is the only creature Chuck Norris is afraid of.

  7. Imagine by goombah99 · · Score: 5, Funny

    a Beowulf cluster of these.

    --
    Some drink at the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle.
    1. Re:Imagine by Herkum01 · · Score: 4, Funny

      I think you mean

      We can finally have a cluster of Beowulf's!

  8. Meme alert by PMBjornerud · · Score: 5, Funny

    As a Scandinavian, I am compelled to invoke the Slashdot meme:

    I am a genetically correct viking, you insensitive clod!

    --
    I lost my sig.
  9. Re:Just send me some kleenex by couchslug · · Score: 4, Funny

    "And I'll pump you all the viking DNA you'll ever want!"

    How will you get the Vikings to accept your offer?

    --
    "This post is an artistic work of fiction and falsehood. Only a fool would take anything posted here as fact."
  10. Re:Vikings come to Jurrasic Park by rubycodez · · Score: 5, Funny

    death by Nordic goddess snoo-snoo! I'm in!