A New Approach Allows Scientists to Extract DNA From Pickled Specimens

Preserved specimens are a veritable treasure trove of information, and a new approach allows scientists to access DNA.

By Sam Walters
Jul 5, 2022 3:30 PMJul 5, 2022 3:22 PM
One of the decades-old snake specimens from the Field Museum used in this study.
(Credit: Sara Ruane, Field Museum)

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In museum archives across the world, billions of biological specimens, including fish, frogs, salamanders and snakes float in bottles of fluid for scientific study. From decades and centuries ago, these specimens have played an important part in the identification and description of species.

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