World's Oldest Marine DNA Discovered

By Isabelle Parker

Marine DNA found in 2019 by a team of researches led by the University of Tasmania has been revealed as the world's oldest known marine DNA. The sedaDNA (sedimentary ancient DNA) was found in the Scotia Sea, Antarctica, and could provide insight into how the Earth will change with global warming. The sedaDNA was able to remain intact due to the cold temperatures, low oxygen level, and lack of UV light in the Scotia Sea. The sample was extracted and put through a series of tests to ensure its accuracy. Scientists are improving at obtaining sedaDNA, and separating it from modern DNA. The sedaDNA found contains diatoms that date back to 540,000 years ago, which have been linked to warmer periods in Antarctica, the last of which in the Scotia Sea was 14,500 years ago. These diatoms could help scientists to understand the evolution of ecosystems and predict what changes climate change will create.

Researchers Write,

"Antarctica is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change on Earth, and studying the past and present responses of this polar marine ecosystem to environmental change is a matter of urgency".