Science for Alaska Lecture Series: A mammoth DNA mystery

The UAF Geophysical Institute presents the virtual 2022 Science for Alaska Lecture Series. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, Assistant Professor Jessica Glass will present “A Menu Mystery of Mammoth Proportions Uncovered by DNA.”

“Accounts of woolly mammoths preserved so well in ice that their meat is still edible have a long history of intriguing the public and influencing paleontological thought on Quaternary extinctions and climate,” Jessica said. “Famously, scientists and explorers from all over the world purportedly dined on frozen mammoth from Alaska in 1951 at The Explorers Club in New York City. This event became an enduring legend and popularized traditions of eating rare and exotic food that continues to this day.

“The Yale Peabody Museum holds a sample of meat preserved from the 1951 meal, interestingly labeled as a South American giant ground sloth (Megatherium), not mammoth,” she said. “We used ancient DNA to verify its identity, which if genuine would extend the range of Megatherium over 600% and alter our views on ground sloth evolution. Tune in to learn about the biggest culinary mystery of the 20th century and the power of DNA to solve questions of the past, present and future.”

Tune in at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through March 8 for more presentations in the Science for Alaska Lecture Series.

Registration closed to watch on Zoom or watch live from the UAF or GI Facebook pages.

For more information visit Science for Alaska Lecture Series website or the Facebook event page. 

Talks are free and for the public. All ages are encouraged to attend.