Human DNA can survive on cave walls for thousands of years, opening new window into prehistory

Scientists have successfully extracted human DNA from cave walls and rock art for the first time, according to coverage from National Geographic and *Nature*. The discovery suggests DNA can persist for millennia on surfaces touched by ancient humans, offering a new method to trace interactions at archaeological sites. A Portuguese research team’s findings in rock art sites highlight the potential for this technique to uncover previously undetectable genetic histories.

Coverage emphasizes the breakthrough’s implications for solving ‘missing person’ cases in prehistory, such as identifying individuals who left no skeletal remains. National Geographic and *Discover Magazine* note the method could reveal who visited or created cave art, bridging gaps in migration and cultural exchange studies. *Phys.org* and *The Portugal News* underscore the technique’s broader applicability to global rock art sites. Next steps include validating the method’s reliability across diverse environments and expanding its use to analyze DNA from other ancient surfaces.

Researchers may also explore whether this approach can clarify disputed timelines in human evolution or artifact attribution.