Vietnam Decodes 2,000-Year-Old Human Genomes

Vietnamese researchers have successfully decoded complete mitochondrial genomes from human bone samples over 2,000 years old, marking a major archaeological and genetic breakthrough, according to VNA, a partner of TV BRICS.

The achievement, led by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, provides unprecedented insights into the evolutionary history of populations in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. It clarifies genetic links between ancient inhabitants and modern ethnic groups, offering a transformative perspective on the region’s human history.

The team recovered high-coverage, high-accuracy mitochondrial genomes from two individuals excavated at the Dong Xa site in Hung Yen province, a key location of the late Dong Son Civilisation. Despite excavations starting in the 1980s, no genetic analysis had previously been conducted at the site.

Researchers also tested mitochondrial DNA from ten additional human bone samples dating from 1,000 to 2,000 years ago. Combining mitochondrial genome sequencing with short tandem repeat markers and nuclear genome analysis, they built a comprehensive genetic dataset for interdisciplinary study.

Extracting viable DNA from ancient bones in Vietnam’s hot, humid climate presented major challenges. After testing multiple methods, the team developed a technique using large-capacity filtration columns and full demineralisation, enabling recovery of extremely short DNA fragments under 100 base pairs, typical of ancient degraded samples.

This landmark study demonstrates the potential of modern biotechnology to unlock Southeast Asia’s genetic history and paves the way for future research into ancient human populations.