DNA in the news

A few stories worth highlighting from over the long holiday weekend:

First, a heartwarming article in the Washington Post about the power of DNA to reunite family, separated at the end of WW2. A half-brother in Japan and sister in California were able to meet after their family members who had tested on MyHeritage were able to resolve the mystery match.

The second article (actually there's several) summarizes a new study in Nature (2 July 2025) on the DNA sequenced for an Egyptian potter who lived 4,500 years ago (see article on DW). National Geographic also published an article on the recreation of the potter's face using DNA analysis. See also the article in the Associated Press from 2 July.

A third story in the Cambridge University Press highlights a study confirming European sardines were used in Roman era fish sauces and farmed along the Galician coast. Scientists used DNA analysis on residue from the bottom of fish-salting vats.