Kristýna Kuklová

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Parasites Evolutionary Trajectory Using Ancient Sedimentary DNA

The use of ancient DNA (aDNA) to retrieve genomic sequences of past pathogens provides unique insights into human health and disease evolution. In paleoparasitology, there is still a lack of cost-effective methods to detect a broad spectrum of parasites.

At Massilani Lab, we are developing and optimizing approaches to enhance DNA recovery from ancient environmental samples from my homeland, the Czech Republic, and to detect a wide range of target parasites. These methods aim to capture parasites affecting both humans and large mammals, improve sensitivity, and provide a more comprehensive view of past parasite diversity, ultimately advancing our understanding of ancient human and animal health.