Imagine a world where a single strand of DNA is seen as the ultimate truth, the definitive answer to questions of identity, ancestry, and history. In recent years, the allure of ancient DNA (aDNA) has captured the imagination of scientists, historians, and the general public alike. But in The Trouble with Ancient DNA, Anna Källen exposes the flaws and misconceptions that often accompany this growing fascination. This book is a critique and a necessary wake-up call for anyone who believes DNA can tell us everything.
Källen’s aim is to bridge the gap between geneticists and historians, two groups that often misunderstand each other. Geneticists, deeply immersed in the world of molecular data, sometimes overlook the complexities of historical context. Meanwhile, archaeologists and the media frequently lack a firm grasp of genetic methods, leading to sensationalist headlines that misrepresent the science.
Despite being a short book, Källen manages to pack a punch. She takes us through the evolution of DNA as both a molecule and a concept, tracing its journey from a scientific marvel to a symbol of identity and heritage. I found her explanations of DNA analysis refreshingly clear and accessible. This is no small feat, given how technical these topics can be.
What sets this book apart is its focus on ancient DNA, a topic not frequently encountered outside of specialized fields. Källen challenges the so-called “aDNA revolution”, a term that has been thrown around with great enthusiasm but often without sufficient scrutiny. She acknowledges the power of DNA in uncovering the past but warns against overreliance on genetic data alone. The molecule itself plays an undeniable role in our lives, but it shouldn’t be burdened with telling stories it was never meant to tell.
Källen’s concerns lie with the oversimplification of ancient DNA findings, a problem compounded by the tendency to present speculative interpretations as undeniable truths. In the hands of the media and even some researchers, the nuanced data of genetic analysis can quickly become a distorted tale that serves contemporary narratives rather than historical accuracy.
The Trouble with Ancient DNA is a defense of the DNA molecule. Källen emphasizes that DNA does not speak; it doesn’t tell stories or provide ready-made answers. It is simply a complex molecule that needs careful, contextual interpretation. The responsibility lies with us—researchers, writers, and readers alike—to ensure that we do not overburden these molecules with meanings they cannot convey.
Källen’s critique is not aimed at the science of DNA itself but at the narratives built around it. This book serves as a reminder that while genetic research can offer incredible insights, it is not a one-size-fits-all key to the past. The way we interpret these genetic clues matters deeply, especially in a world where stories of ancient migrations and identities can be co-opted for modern political agendas.
The Trouble with Ancient DNA is a call to arms against the oversimplification of complex scientific data. It urges us to handle the promise of DNA with caution, to question the stories we are told, and to remember that humans, both now and in ancient times, are shaped by more than just their genes. For anyone fascinated by the intersection of science and history, this book is an essential read. It has a sharp and insightful critique of the ways we use and misuse the tools of genetic science.
Summary
DNA: Beyond the Blueprint
When we think of DNA, we often imagine it as the ultimate code that defines us, a string of molecules that holds the secrets to who we are. But DNA is more than just a set of instructions; it’s a collection of stories passed down from our ancestors, with only 2% coding for proteins while the other 98% is often called “dark matter”—sections that seem to serve no purpose or whose roles we barely understand. DNA resides in the cell’s nucleus within chromosomes, as well as in a tiny separate chromosome inside the mitochondria.
What Can DNA Tell Us?
While DNA analysis can reveal information about our physical characteristics and genetic predispositions, it’s limited in many ways. It can’t tell us about non-biological relationships, like those with stepchildren, or capture the nuances of our personal histories, like where we’ve traveled, our interests, or even the languages we speak. Contrary to popular belief, DNA doesn’t reveal the full, unvarnished truth of our identities. Instead, it indicates probabilities—such as the likelihood of having certain physical traits or developing particular diseases—without ever being exact.
Ancient DNA: A Glimpse into the Past
Ancient DNA (aDNA) comes from long-deceased organisms, and analyzing it is no easy feat. Time erodes genetic material, especially in harsh, dry environments, making it challenging to retrieve meaningful data. Despite these hurdles, studying aDNA helps scientists estimate genetic relationships between ancient individuals and trace hereditary conditions with a fair degree of accuracy. However, the DNA that remains is often fragmented and worn down, making it nearly impossible to pinpoint specific individuals from ancient times.
The Limits and Biases of aDNA Studies
The process of aDNA analysis is far from perfect. Genetic studies, including genome-wide aDNA analysis, don’t cover the entire genetic makeup; they focus on less than 1% of our genome. Additionally, the process isn’t just about retrieving data—it’s about interpretation. Computers and algorithms used in this field are shaped by human input, introducing bias and creativity into what might seem like a purely scientific process.
Moreover, ancient DNA analysis can oversimplify our understanding of ancestry. For instance, when a new life begins, half of the genetic material from each parent is shuffled, except for the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA. This shuffling makes it practically impossible to trace our individual ancestors beyond a few generations unless they are direct maternal or paternal lines.
The Politics of Ancient Migration Stories
Genetic research often intersects with storytelling, especially when it comes to tracing ancient human migrations. These stories can be speculative, woven together from the sparse evidence that survives from the past. While speculation itself isn’t inherently problematic, presenting these narratives as solid facts can be misleading. Today, stories of ancient migration are sometimes co-opted by extremist groups to support harmful ideologies, such as white supremacy. It’s a reminder that genetic research, while powerful, can be twisted to serve political ends.
Key Takeaways
When we talk about ancestry in the context of ancient DNA, we are often talking about relationships that hold meaning today, not necessarily those that existed in the past. The idea of genetically determined ancestry, often projected onto ancient people as a universal truth, is a modern invention, much like the concept of nation-states. Furthermore, the language and imagery used in aDNA research are not neutral—they are shaped by modern viewpoints and can be easily manipulated.
Ultimately, while genetic science holds great promise, it also comes with risks. Projects with anti-racist intentions can still be compatible with discriminatory narratives. Understanding this dual nature of genetic research is crucial as we navigate the stories it tells us about who we were—and who we are.
My Favorite Bits
We know that molecules have no voice, so someone else has to speak about them. And that speech inevitably has to be uttered from a body in movement. All responsible scientific knowledge must therefore fall back on scientists’ imperfect positions and partial perspectives. If these situated positions are not transparently accounted for, there is reason for vigilance.
Anna Källen, The Trouble with Ancient DNA
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my review.
Author: Anna Källen
Publication date: 20 January 2025
Number of pages: 160 pages
Leave a Reply