DNA analysis of skeletal tissue recovered from the English Channel

Abstract

This case study reports on DNA analysis from different skeletal elements of an individual recovered 2 years after going missing in the English Channel. Selected bones were also re-submerged for an additional 2 years and re-analysed. By comparing results from both time points, this study concludes that high-load-bearing bones, particularly the bones of the feet, appear to be a preferable source of DNA for identification of skeletal tissue recovered from similar conditions.