Researchers analyzed 13 permafrost samples and found coprolites containing an astoundingly diverse spectrum of ancient environmental DNA from hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Yukon

Who

Hendrik Poinar, Tyler Murchie, and researchers at McMaster University

What

When

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:30:15 GMT · 2h 52m ago

Where

Yukon ·

Why

The ancient poop, formally called coprolites, preserved genetic information better than bones or surrounding permafrost.

The Frontline Impact

How this affects you

This genetic reservoir helps reconstruct paleoenvironments, providing insights into environmental change, large animal evolution, dispersal, and extinction, potentially enhancing understanding of Earth's past ecosystems and species.

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Verified Sources & Citations

Gizmodo
https://gizmodo.com/scientists-pulled-700000-year-old-dna-from-frozen-squirrel-poop-2000770682
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