New research out of the University of Otago has created a groundbreaking new technique that allows for the extraction of DNA from ancient fossils and artifacts without damage. 

After lots of trial and error, Otago Master of Science student Lachie Scarsbrook and his supervisor Dr. Nic Rawlence from the Otago Paleogenetics lab were able to find a technique that extracts data in a completely non-destructive way.

To discuss what this discovery means for tracing New Zealand’s ecological history, Emilia Sullivan spoke to Dr. Nic Rawlence.