The Trouble with Ancient DNA

Telling Stories of the Past with Genomic Science

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Pub Date Jan 20 2025 | Archive Date Dec 18 2024

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Description

A thoughtful consideration of the storytelling and science behind ancient DNA discoveries.
 
In recent years, discoveries brought to light through analysis of ancient DNA—or aDNA—have made headlines around the world. While ancient DNA studies may appear to focus on laboratory science and objective results, the findings have also relied heavily on storytelling and can be influenced by political interests.
 
In The Trouble with Ancient DNA, Anna Källén explores how the parameters of genetic science influence the stories we tell about our ancient ancestors, questioning what narratives we can and should take at face value. Through accounts of migrations, warriors, and figures like Cheddar Man, we see enticing and potent narratives that reach far beyond what can be gathered from the scientific study of molecules alone. Rather, by privileging certain narratives and questions—like those about sex or eye and skin color—our stories of ancient DNA are spun around the structure of today’s methodologies, technologies, and popular and political interests. Källén considers how DNA is used to sensationalize stories, how its use poses questions of ethics and care, and who is responsible if stories of ancient DNA are adopted for dangerous political projects.
A thoughtful consideration of the storytelling and science behind ancient DNA discoveries.
 
In recent years, discoveries brought to light through analysis of ancient DNA—or aDNA—have made headlines...

Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9780226835570
PRICE $20.00 (USD)
PAGES 160

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Featured Reviews

This book is a critique of our growing obsession with DNA as the ultimate key to the past. Bridging the gap between geneticists and historians, Källén skillfully exposes how easily ancient DNA findings can be oversimplified, misrepresented, and sensationalized. With clear explanations, she challenges the notion that DNA alone can tell us everything about our history and identity.

Källén’s insights remind us that while DNA is a powerful tool, it is not a magical answer to the complexities of the human story. The Trouble with Ancient DNA is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the intersections of science, history, and identity.

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Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Trouble with Ancient DNA: Telling Stories of the Past with Genomic Science by Anna Källén is a thought-provoking exploration of how genomic science shapes our understanding of history. Källén, an expert in archaeology and ancient studies, delves into the complexities and ethical considerations of interpreting ancient DNA (aDNA) findings.

The book examines how scientific discoveries are often intertwined with storytelling, influenced by contemporary methodologies, technologies, and even political interests. Källén’s narrative is both insightful and critical, questioning the narratives we construct about our ancestors based on genetic data. She highlights how certain aspects, such as sex, eye color, and skin color, are often sensationalized, overshadowing the broader and more nuanced stories that only aDNA can tell.

This book helps bridge the gap between scientific rigor and accessible storytelling. Källén uses case studies, such as the analysis of Cheddar Man and ancient migrations, to illustrate how aDNA research can be both enlightening and misleading. She emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and the potential misuse of genetic data in shaping historical narratives.

Källén’s writing is engaging and accessible, making complex scientific concepts understandable for a general audience. She skillfully balances technical details with broader reflections on the implications of aDNA research. The book also addresses the responsibilities of scientists and storytellers in ensuring that the narratives constructed from genetic data are accurate and ethically sound.

The Trouble with Ancient DNA is a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, history, and ethics. Källén’s critical perspective encourages readers to think deeply about the stories we tell and the evidence we use to construct them.

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Ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis has revolutionized our understanding of the past, but this book reveals how these scientific findings are shaped by storytelling, political agendas, and the limitations of current methodologies. The author explores the ethical implications and potential misuse of aDNA narratives, questioning which stories we should accept as factual and the responsibility of scientists in shaping public perception.

This book offers a fascinating look at aDNA, both the science and the narratives around it. The author stresses that the evidence of aDNA is often scant and insufficient to support the stories told about it. The book is interesting and easy to read—and a good reminder to embrace skepticism.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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I found the information in the book very accessible. It explains very well the use of ancient DNA and its pitfalls. As such, I think the book is important due to the widespread use of genomics in many areas. However I found the tone too literary with the use of too much jargon; I prefer more conversational tones. Overall, this book is well worth reading. Thank you to Netgalley and University of Chicago Press for the advance reader copy.

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