PhaDNA lab
Ancient or palaeo DNA refers to genetic material obtained from old specimens. Typically, DNA degrades rapidly in dead organisms, but trace amounts are preserved in various tissues either naturally (e.g. unmineralised bird bones or faeces in dry caves) or artificially (e.g. early museum specimens collected for morphology). Access to palaeoDNA provides many opportunities for research by allowing inclusion of rare or extinct species or populations, matching taxonomic material to extant populations and sampling population genetics through time etc. A critical aspect of palaeoDNA studies is the avoidance of contamination from modern DNA and in particular amplified DNA (via PCR).
The Phoenix AncientDNA lab is a dedicated facility for the preparation and handling of palaeoDNA material from fossil, herbarium and museum samples. PhaDNA is located in a building remote from neoDNA labs associated with the research group. Access to the lab is strictly controlled and limited requiring maglock swipe card authorisation.
All users are required to follow strict protocols that preclude use of neoDNA facilities prior to the same day session. No PCR products or modern samples are used in or near the PhaDNA lab. The purpose-built lab is equipped with air-lock/gown-up space, positive pressure, UV decontamination and filtered-air PCR setup. Dedicated equipment includes refrigerator, freezer, 3 benchtop centrifuges, vortex, HEPA-filtered PCR setup hood, fume hood, hybridization ovens, telephone and networked computer etc. The lab meets current safety specifications.
Current research using the lab includes studies of insect population genetics and bird phylogenetics. |
|
  |
|
|
