Nits on ancient mummies shed light on South American ancestry | HeritageDaily

Scientists have recovered ancient DNA from the cement left behind on the hairs of mummified remains that date back 1,500-2,000 years.

This is possible because skin cells from the scalp become encased in the cement produced by female lice as they attach eggs to the hair. This method could allow many more unique samples to be studied from human remains where bone and tooth samples are unavailable.

An analysis of the DNA has revealed clues about pre-Columbian human migration patterns within South America.

The research was led by the University of Reading, in which Dr Alejandra Perotti,…