Comments on: Scientists Identify Mummified Head of a Murdered French King

By: Marcia Jensen

Marcia Jensen — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 19:54:50 +0000

I was under the impression that teeth are the best resource for recovering DNA. No teeth?

Andrew Moseman — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 19:29:18 +0000

@Patrick
At the moment the BMJ paper is free open-access, so you can see their pictures of the head. http://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c6805.full

Jumblepudding — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:43:48 +0000

Seconded. I’m no forensic expert, but no mitochondrial DNA in the whole head? it must be in bad shape.

Patrick — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 23:07:49 +0000

I really wish that they would have an actual picture of the head. I am kinda morbid like that.