Our methods have been specifically designed and optimized to handle the presence of inhibitors and highly degraded and fragmented DNA. Our staff has undergone extensive training for the challenges faced by analyzing ancient or highly degraded DNA.

Ancient DNA Analysis: Discover information hidden in genetics.

-Establish Relationships -Establish Ethnicity -Establish Haplotypes -Establish Origins

Genetic analyses on all types of material can be conducted including:

• Archaeological Samples -Museum Specimens -Tombs -Mass graves -Archaeological sites -Burial sites

Analysis such as:

• mtDNA: Population genetics, animal species identification.
• Nuclear DNA: Heritable genetic traits, Sex identification, STRs, Y-STRs.
• Pathogenic DNA: Tuberculosis, Plague, Malaria, Hepatitis B, Leprosy and Trypanosomiasis.
• Chloroplast DNA: Plant remains

Click here for more information on our services.

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The 2008 Ancient DNA Training Program Starts Monday May 5, 2008.

Click on the menu item 'Training Programs' on the left side of this page for more information.

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Paleo-DNA Laboratory highlighted in the current issue of Lab Business Magazine

Article Exerpt:

Lakehead’s Paleo-DNA Laboratory
Modern genetics solves ancient mysteries

By Erica Tennenhouse

Few labs can boast that they have analyzed what might be the DNA of Jesus Christ himself. But earlier this year, the Paleo-DNA Laboratory at Lakehead University was challenged with exactly that task, when bones from the Talpiot Tomb near Jerusalem, deemed by archaeologists to likely have belonged to Jesus and Mary Magdalene, were shipped off to the lab.

Stephen Fratpietro, technical manager of the lab,

explains that... click here for full article

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Mitochondrial DNA is in our blood!

Paleo-DNA Laboratory is the leader in human mitochondrial DNA analysis.  We were one of the first Canadian laboratories to develop mitochondrial DNA analysis techniques.  We were the first laboratory to offer a DNA training course emphasizing mitochondrial DNA analysis.   Several biotech companies, DNA service and forensic labs have extensively used the Paleo-DNA Laboratory as the source for staff training and new employee recruitment. 

We are the preferred outsourcing partner for mitochondrial DNA analysis for one of the largest DNA service companies in the United States.  Our lab analyzes samples from various partner companies and institutions from around the world.  Our DNA laboratory is specifically designed to accommodate low-copy number or degraded samples.  Each sample is considered unique and is analyzed as such.  Our commitment to contamination control and high standards emphasizes the reliability of results produced at the Paleo-DNA Laboratory.  If you need timely, accurate results why not go where the world’s largest companies go?

Paleo-DNA History

The Lakehead University Paleo-DNA Laboratory, established in 1996, is a research laboratory accredited in forensic human identification.  The lab is affiliated with the Lakehead University Centre for Analytical Services (LUCAS).  This state of the art facility is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.   We have been pioneers in the application of modern molecular genetic techniques and technologies to the study of archaeological, degraded and Paleo-DNA.  The laboratory provides three functions: research, services and teaching. 

Paleo-DNA Research

The Paleo-DNA staff and students are fully committed to research and teaching. Our research covers many aspects of DNA analysis; from the development and implementation of new extraction and purification methods through to their application. Research projects have involved the study of disease in ancient populations, wildlife classifications, and both modern and ancient human identification; among others. For more on Paleo-DNA research, click here.

Paleo-DNA Services

Lakehead University’s Paleo-DNA Laboratory was the first University affiliated laboratory in Canada to become accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) for forensic DNA testing.  We are a leader in mitochondrial DNA research, continually improving our methodology, sensitivity and detection methods for DNA examination that can be applied to Forensic DNA analysis.    Services include both nuclear (STR and Y-STR) and mitochondrial DNA analysis on a variety of sample types.  For more on Paleo-DNA services, click here.

Paleo-DNA Teaching / Training programs

As a University affiliated facility, our main objective is education.  We offer courses and training programs to anyone who wants to learn more about DNA.  Off site training is also available. For more on our training programs, click here.

Paleo-DNA Newsletter

Keeping you up to date with the latest DNA technologies and Paleo-news!