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 following article appeared on the front page of the Chronicle Journal
on Monday, August 25, 2008:
LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY - RESEARCH SERIES
Special to the Chronicle-Journal
Paleo-DNA Lab: A Jewel in Thunder Bay’s Crown
by Tim Anderson
Move over CSI, Northwestern Ontario has the real deal: Lakehead University’s Paleo-DNA Laboratory. It would surprise most Thunder Bay residents to know that the forensic marvels seen on television can be found right here at home.......For the complete story, click here
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The Paleo-DNA Laboratory’s 2008 Ancient DNA Training Program was a huge success and marked the 10th consecutive year the program has been offered.The course was attended by 20 students including those from Thunder Bay’s Lakehead University and Confederation College, Southern Ontario, Manitoba, USA, Switzerland, the UK and Australia. Their academic backgrounds were just as diverse including anthropology, health and medical sciences, agriculture, biology and conservation biology.
The Ancient DNA Training Program’s course instructor Dr. Carney Matheson, Associate Professor from the Department of Anthropology at Lakehead University engaged the students with his extensive knowledge of molecular DNA analysis and techniques and his charismatic demeanor.
Invited guest lecturer Dr. Alex Greenwood joined us from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. His lecture stimulated the students while he spoke of his wide-spread experience in evolutionary biology presenting on the topics of pathogens and mammoths.
Click here for more information on our annual Ancient DNA Training Program _______________________________________________________________
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!
Click the image to read the latest edition of our newsletter:
Past Editons of our newsletter (click the image for the .pdf version)
   
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