Note: All samples must be discussed prior to submittal. Please call (1) 305-479-1259 or email dhood@paleoDNA.com

A LABORATORY DEDICATED TO YOUR SAMPLES

MicroAnalytica is the first dedicated professional commercial facility for paleoDNA studies.  Up until now, your only option was to go to a university and find a paleoDNA knowledgeable researcher and hope for a collaboration. This is a worthwhile avenue to pursue and is actively growing throughout the community.  However, it is hindered by low capacity, contamination problems, and lengthy waiting times....just like radiocarbon dating used to be in the 70's before Beta Analytic.  MicroAnalytica was started by seeing the remarkable parallels between evolving paleoDNA demand today and radiocarbon dating demand in the 70's.  Our delivery time is planned to ultimately be within 30 working days.

NEW TECHNIQUES ALLOWING FOR LARGE DATASETS OF ANALYTICAL RESEARCH QUALITY

MicroAnalytica employs new techniques which allow for large number of samples to be analyzed with analytical research quality.  The extraction lab has the capability of handling any volume of samples, allowing you to include large datasets in your research papers and reports. 

MATERIAL TYPE AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS

We are presently set up to extract ancient mitichondrial DNA (designated as "mtDNA") and provide research solutions on human bone and teeth.  Actual  paleoDNA results depend upon what you're looking for.  The mitochondrial DNA, reflecting maternal lineage, can be used for a study as simple as matching  unarticulated bones, looking for relationships between individuals, or inferring continental origin.  The real question is...What would you like to know about these individuals?...and we take it from there. 

Be sure to contact us with any interests in a paleoDNA study, regardless of material type.  We plan to swiftly move into more material types as research demand requires.

Description of Research Stand-alone Services

Population Grouping

Genetic "markers" within individuals can be used to infer population groupings. For example, Native Americans are believed to have genetic markers representative of five different population groupings. By measuring the DNA of a living individual or the paleoDNA of ancestral bones, a relationship can be established. Both paleoDNA and DNA are analyzed using our ultra-clean procedures. Modern DNA is obtained from living individuals by rubbing a swab on the inside cheek or collecting blood.

Genetic Taxonomy (under development)

Many species of animals have been well studied with DNA. Where this has been done, MicroAnalytica can extract paleoDNA from ancient animal bones and provide a taxonomic identification. The paleoDNA is extracted and then compared to existing databases on studied animals. MicroAnalytica can also analyze samples from contemporary species for researchers attempting to establish contemporary DNA references. Our ultra-high purity techniques are used in all the analyses.

Continental Origination

People of different continents have differing genetic profiles. Present day populations of continents have been studied and genetic dissimilarities between them have been documented. These differences can be used to infer the continent of origin in ancient bones. PaleoDNA extracted from ancient bones can be used to establish African, European, New World and Asian origins. This is especially useful in historical archaeology where recent emigration has resulted in high diversity.

Contemporary Population Studies

DNA analysis is an essential element of present day ethnological studies. Relationships between individuals within populations can be related to each other, to the population as a whole, and to other populations. MicroAnalytica uses the same ultra-high purity techniques on contemporary studies as it uses on paleoDNA studies.

Worldwide Database Comparisions

Researchers have been accumulating accurate DNA records for the last decade using the advances made possible through PCR. Much of this data is stored in international databases. Although these databases are mostly available to the public, they are not easily interpreted nor are they user friendly to the layman. We compare our results to these databases and provide you with any available comparative information. This is included in the analysis cost. We are also available to perform custom database searches to help you develop research objectives and design.

Custom Research Data and Consultation

The field of DNA analysis and its application is rapidly expanding. We constantly remain on top of new research and how it may be applied. As new techniques and applications evolve, we plan to always make them available to you. If you have a specific research project in mind which may include DNA analysis, we are always available to discuss them with you.