Cyprus-Forum.com

[Lit]

Scientists obtain DNA of long extinct birds from eggshells

In a real-life effort reminiscent of Hollywood's imagination, scientists have for the first time extracted the DNA of several extinct bird species from fossilized eggshells.

Included among the species for which researchers have DNA is a giant African ratite, or flightless bird, that stood 10 feet high and weighed as much as half a ton and a 19,000-year old Australian emu.

Full story here:

http://www.examiner.com/x-26854-Denver- ... -eggshells

[Lit]

Scientists Isolate DNA From Fossil Eggshell Remains

http://www.newsroomamerica.com/world/st ... ?id=482679

Scientists have for the first time successfully isolated ancient DNA from fossil eggshell remains of extinct birds such as the giant New Zealand Moa.

The researchers from Murdoch University said they were "really surprised" to discover that ancient DNA is well-preserved in fossil eggshells, particularly the heaviest bird to have existed the elephant bird called Aepyornis, which is now extinct.