DNA of Humans, Plants, and Animals Found on the Turin Shroud

A Genetic Archive of Centuries. DNA Analysis Unveils the Hidden Biological History of the Turin Shroud

According to НВ — Техно: Publication Date: August 4, 20:15

A new DNA analysis of the Turin Shroud, conducted by an international team of researchers, has found traces of human mitochondrial DNA, a diverse microbiome, as well as DNA from cultivated plants, domesticated animals, and Mediterranean red coral on the linen fibers. The results of the study were published in the journal Scientific Reports. This study marks the first application of next-generation sequencing methods to official samples of the Turin Shroud tissue, collected in 1978.

Detection of DNA and Biodiversity

The international team of researchers, including Professor of Forensic Medicine Noemi Procopio from the University of Lancashire, examined the genomic DNA embedded in the linen fibers of the shroud. During the study, several lines of human mitochondrial DNA were identified. Moreover, the shroud's microbiome contains bacteria, fungi, skin microorganisms, and halophilic archaea.

On the fibers of the shroud, DNA from cultivated plants such as:

• wheat
• carrots
• corn
• bananas
• peanuts

was also found. No less interesting is the discovery of DNA from domesticated animals, including:

• cattle
• pigs
• chickens
• dogs
• cats

Traces of Mediterranean red coral were also identified. It is worth noting that the purpose of the study was not to determine the age or authenticity of the relic, as isolating the very first original DNA is impossible due to the repeated impact of external factors.

Thus, the results of this study open new horizons for exploring the history of the Turin Shroud and the biodiversity it may contain. This can be an important step in understanding not only the object itself but also the cultural context in which it existed, and the influence of the environment on its preservation and evolution over the centuries. Further studies may shed light on possible connections between different elements found in the DNA and their significance for the history of humanity.