Abstract
Like modern metagenomics, ancient metagenomics is a highly data-rich discipline, with the added challenge that the DNA of interest is degraded and, depending on the sample type, in low abundance. This requires the application of specialized measures during molecular experiments and computational analyses. Furthermore, researchers often work with finite sample sizes, which impedes optimal experimental design and control of confounding factors, and with ethically sensitive samples necessitating the consideration of additional guidelines. In September 2020, early career researchers in the field of ancient metagenomics met (Standards, Precautions & Advances in Ancient Metagenomics 2 [SPAAM2] community meeting) to discuss the state of the field and how to address current challenges. Here, in an effort to bridge the gap between ancient and modern metagenomics, we highlight and reflect upon some common misconceptions, provide a brief overview of the challenges in our field, and point toward useful resources for potential reviewers and newcomers to the field.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Artikelnummer | e01315-21 |
Tidsskrift | mSystems |
Vol/bind | 6 |
Udgave nummer | 6 |
Antal sider | 12 |
ISSN | 2379-5077 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - 2021 |
Bibliografisk note
Funding Information:I.M.V. was supported by the Werner Siemens-Stiftung (Paleobiotechnology, awarded to Pierre Stallforth, Hans-Knöll Institute, and Christina Warinner, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology). A.K.F. was supported by the Danish National Research Foundation award (CEH-DNRF143 awarded to M. Thomas P. Gilbert, University of Copenhagen, Denmark). Å.J.V. is supported by Carlsbergfondet Semper Ardens grant CF18-1109 (to M. Thomas P. Gilbert, University of Copenhagen, Denmark). A.H. is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG; German Research Foundation) under Germany’s Excellence Strategy EXC 2051, project ID 390713860. J.A.F.Y. was supported by grant ERC-2015-StG 678901-FoodTransforms (to Philipp W. Stockhammer, Ludwig Maximilian University, Germany). J.A.F.Y., I.M.V., and A.H. are supported by the Max Planck Society. C.D.S. is supported by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France.
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© 2021 American Society for Microbiology. All rights reserved.