Recently, a story was published in Science Magazine about the discovery of a female viking warrior burial site. She was unearthed by Swedish researchers with "a sword, an ax, a spear, arrows, a knife, two shields, and a pair of warhorses". This is indicative of the burial of a high ranking viking warrior who, through the analysis of skeletal characteristics and DNA, is the first of which to be determined as female. Like Lady Brienne in Game of Thrones, this woman broke conventional gender norms to become a highly respected, high ranking warrior.
The researchers used genome-wide sequence data to determine the biological sex of the individual. According to their published work the researchers found that "the genomic results revealed the lack of a Y-chromosome and thus a female biological sex, and the mtDNA analyses support a single-individual origin of sampled elements.". This discovery shows that molecular biology and genetics not only have important medical applications, but also have monumental historical and social implications as well. Molecular biology can change and manipulate the way that we view the social constructs of the world and how they came to be. This is only one of many assumptions about human social evolution that has been shattered by DNA analysis.
Sources:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajpa.23308/full
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/09/dna-proves-fearsome-viking-warrior-was-woman
Although I have never watched an episode of GOT, I found your blog very interesting. I applaud the way you write, your writing skills make me want to continue reading. Little fun fact, I hate reading. Anyway, I think it is so awesome that science has helped so many discoveries in history, It is because of molecular biology and genetics that we known so much of the past.
ReplyDeleteI found the topic of your blog to be interesting. Overtime I've learned that Molecular biology and genetics are used in many different aspects of medicine and research. Although I've never seen an episode of game of throne, i found this example to be quite unique.
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed that you were able to connect both Game of Thrones and molecular biology. This really keeps things interesting and I always enjoy reading your blogs. I have never personally seen the show but I am starting to think I should considering all the people telling me to do so. Its just crazy to think that something as small as the Y chromosome can change us from being a female to a male.
ReplyDeleteI actually found this very interesting, especially how you combined a television show to science. It is crazy that as scientist we get so wrapped up into science and health, that we forget it could actually be applied to other fields, like history in this example. As a person that has been through many science classes, thank you for opening my viewpoint again.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post! Your perspective and connecting molecular genetic testing and history was eye opening. It truly is amazing that new discoveries about human history are continually being unraveled with the help of technology and tried and true molecular tools and techniques. Some of these discoveries have social implications as you pointed out. Think of the empowerment that women everywhere (but especially in countries where they have yet to move toward equality) feel when they learn that their were brave, strong Viking warrior women who fought alongside men or even as leaders. Science has implications and applications across the board as you pointed out.
ReplyDeleteNice way to tie in something cultural you enjoy to the utility of molecular tools. You've generated interest.
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