Penguins used to measure rate of DNA change

Comparing ancient DNA sequences with living Adélie penguins, researchers have been able to estimate the modern rates of DNA change.

Researches used DNA from sub-fossil bones up to 44,000 years old and compared them with the feet tissue of living penguins.

“The ancient bones underlie existing and abandoned breeding colonies from around the Antarctic continent and are one of the richest sources of ancient DNA yet discovered,” lead researcher Professor David Lambert said.

“In comparing these sequences we are able to build up a picture of the speed of DNA change over time.”