Ancient Fleas

In collaboration with Katharina Dittmar we have begun to examine the DNA of ancient, mummified fleas. We have had success amplifying and sequencing a portion of the 28S rDNA, ITS 1 and ITS 2 and all the data and controls performed indicate, that this is authentic, ancient Pulex sequence. Click on the following links to view PDF files of some recent publications about DNA-techniques on ancient insect remains and the pathoecology of historic parasitism in Peru.