Vietnamese Researchers Unlock 2,000-Year-Old Human DNA

Scientists in Vietnam have successfully sequenced human genomes from remains dating back roughly 2,000 years, marking a significant advancement in the country’s archaeological and genetic research.

Researchers from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology analyzed DNA extracted from ancient bones uncovered at the Động Xá site in northern Vietnam, a location associated with the late Đông Sơn culture.

Using cutting-edge sequencing techniques, the team reconstructed complete mitochondrial genomes from two ancient samples, offering rare insight into the genetic makeup of early Southeast Asian populations.

The study, conducted over four years, examined bones dating between 1,000 and 6,000 years old, providing high-quality genetic data despite the challenges of DNA preservation in tropical climates.

According to the scientists, the findings shed light on the migration patterns and ancestry of ancient populations in the region, revealing genetic links that differ from those found in modern Vietnamese communities.

The research is expected to support future interdisciplinary studies combining archaeology, anthropology, and genetics, deepening understanding of Vietnam’s early human history.