Picture 1 of 1
Picture 1 of 1
Trouble with Ancient DNA : Telling Stories of the Past with Genomic Science by Anna Källén (2025, Trade Paperback)
Rarewaves (627610)
97.9% positive feedback
Price:
US $33.29
ApproximatelyPHP 1,846.40
+ $3.99 shipping
Returns:
30 days return. Buyer pays for return shipping. If you use an eBay shipping label, it will be deducted from your refund amount.
Condition:
Oops! Looks like we're having trouble connecting to our server.
Refresh your browser window to try again.
About this product
Product Identifiers
PublisherUniversity of Chicago Press
ISBN-10022683557X
ISBN-139780226835570
eBay Product ID (ePID)7065856875
Product Key Features
Number of Pages160 Pages
LanguageEnglish
Publication NameTrouble with Ancient D N A : Telling Stories of the Past with Genomic Science
Publication Year2025
SubjectArchaeology, Life Sciences / Anatomy & Physiology (See Also Life Sciences / Human Anatomy & Physiology), Anthropology / Physical, Paleontology
TypeTextbook
AuthorAnna Källén
Subject AreaSocial Science, Science
FormatTrade Paperback
Dimensions
Item Height0.6 in
Item Weight8 Oz
Item Length8.5 in
Item Width5.5 in
Additional Product Features
Intended AudienceScholarly & Professional
LCCN2024-021584
ReviewsA timely, nuanced and much-needed analysis of the genomic revolution in the science of the past. DNA molecules are venerated in 'celebrity science' stories about charismatic imagined ancestors. Källén's book is the perfect remedy for these 'just so' stories. She is the ideal travel companion for this journey into the weeds of what the science of paleogenetics can and cannot tell us about our past and why this matters., This one is a must-read! Geneticists have made an unfortunate habit of approaching the past with a twenty-first-century toolkit and a nineteenth-century mindset--and now they are getting called on it. This wonderfully stern examination of the interpretations of widely promoted ancient DNA data in archaeology shows that a technological revolution is quite separate from a scientific revolution. It will hopefully help to pull geneticists intellectually into the modern age, and to effect a real synthesis between the two classes of data., Adding ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis to the toolbox of methods used to reconstruct the human past has sparked amazement and criticism alike. In her new book, The Trouble with Ancient DNA , archaeologist Anna Källén eloquently adds to critiques of the technique by reflecting on how archaeogenetic results are presented within the scientific community, communicated beyond its boundaries, and integrated into public knowledge., Ancient DNA's allure is obvious, writes archaeologist Källén--less so its pitfalls. . . . And prehistoric samples are even more tricky. 'When we write history with ancient DNA, we are finders of fact and tellers of stories,' her intriguing book concludes.|9780226835570|, Journalists and scientists have spread dubious historical narratives based on over-extrapolations from DNA evidence, according to this penetrating study. Källén . . . explains the limits of collecting DNA from ancient bones and other archaeological finds, noting that the DNA is often so deteriorated that scientists can only recover less than 10% of the genome. . . . Shedding light on how geneticists' theories of the past often say more about themselves than their subjects, this provides plenty of food for thought., Källén delves into how ancient DNA techniques have been implemented and interpreted in the context of human evolution, both within and outside the field. With The Trouble with Ancient DNA , she considers three broad applications of ancient DNA--large-scale migrations, genetic relationships between past and present populations, and phenotype reconstruction--looking closely at a series of case studies from existing literature and working to flesh out the societal impacts of such works, including the ways they've been co-opted to advance racist agendas.
Dewey Edition23
TitleLeadingThe
IllustratedYes
Dewey Decimal572.786
Table Of ContentIntroduction 1 Ancient DNA 2 Return of the Arrows 3 A Family Tree of Everyone 4 Paleopersonalities 5 In Defense of the Molecule Acknowledgments Notes Index
SynopsisA thoughtful consideration of the storytelling and science behind ancient DNA discoveries. In recent years, discoveries brought to light through analysis of ancient DNA--or aDNA--have made headlines around the world. While ancient DNA studies may appear to focus on laboratory science and objective results, the findings have also relied heavily on storytelling and can be influenced by political interests. In The Trouble with Ancient DNA , Anna Källén explores how the parameters of genetic science influence the stories we tell about our ancient ancestors, questioning what narratives we can and should take at face value. Through accounts of migrations, warriors, and figures like Cheddar Man, we see enticing and potent narratives that reach far beyond what can be gathered from the scientific study of molecules alone. Rather, by privileging certain narratives and questions--like those about sex or eye and skin color--our stories of ancient DNA are spun around the structure of today's methodologies, technologies, and popular and political interests. Källén considers how DNA is used to sensationalize stories, how its use poses questions of ethics and care, and who is responsible if stories of ancient DNA are adopted for dangerous political projects.
LC Classification NumberQP624.K37 2025
Be the first to write a review
