Hidden DNA Complicates Shroud Analysis

Human, microbial, plant, and animal DNA reflected centuries of handling and environmental exposure

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DNA analysis of 12 Shroud of Turin specimens found that most genetic material reflected modern handling and environmental exposure.
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More than 98% of the short DNA fragments lacked molecular damage patterns generally associated with ancient DNA, and testing detected modern contamination.
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The predominant mitochondrial lineage matched that of 1978 sample collector Pierluigi Baima Bollone, while mixed DNA prevented attribution to an original individual.
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The samples contained skin-associated microbes and diverse plant and animal DNA, including crops introduced to Europe during or after the Middle Ages.
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Metagenomic testing could not determine whether the Shroud was medieval or approximately 2,000 years old; dated casket threads corresponded to documented repairs.

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