Archaeologists uncover 150 million year old ink from fossilized Squid demonstrates the technology available to analyse DNA and soft tissue years after a burial.
Leading Palaeontologists were stunned to excavate the ancient sea creature during a routine excavation in North Wiltshire to astonishingly unveal soft tissue in the squid still remained. Forensic Archaeology Experts used the soft tissue to open up the sac and extract the remaining black solution with an ammonia solution.
Dr Phil Wilby, who led the excavation, said the fossilized ink was preserved by the "Medusa effect" - when specimens turn to stone before the soft parts rot. He said: "It's among the world's best fossil preservation. It's a squid-like creature, but it's not the same as a modern-day squid. In fact, it's not like anything we have in the world today. "You really don't imagine anything so soft could be so well preserved three-dimensionally. It's fossilized so beautifully well that you can actually still write with it. It still looks as if it is modern squid ink. It's absolutely incredible to find something like this.”
In relation to the Forensics Industry, this amazing discovery again supports the ability for forensic scientists to extract evidence through archaeological excavations from several years ago which could aid criminal investigations. The advance in forensic science and specialist Forensic Archaeological equipment can assure any evidence that is discovered years after a crime was committed can still be analysed for DNA which could be essential in catching criminals or finding new suspects in criminal investigations.
To find out more information on Forensic Archaeology please visit Forensic Resources Ltd at www.forensicresources.co.uk
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