Clinical Report: Hidden DNA Complicates Shroud Analysis

Overview

Sequencing of DNA from seven of 12 specimens in the Shroud of Turin’s 1978 sample collection found a mixture of human, microbial, plant, and animal genetic material. Modern contamination and handling signatures predominated, preventing the researchers from determining the Shroud’s age or geographic origin from the DNA.

Background

Historical textiles can accumulate biological material through handling and environmental exposure, complicating efforts to distinguish original material from later contamination. The study examined specimens collected from the Shroud in 1978, including linen fibers, dust, and a small biological fragment. The researchers used sequencing and other molecular analyses to characterize DNA sources and assess evidence of age-related damage. The findings are relevant to interpreting genetic results from historical objects with complex sample histories.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The predominant mitochondrial lineage matched that of Pierluigi Baima Bollone, who collected the samples in 1978; genome-wide analysis indicated that DNA in three samples came from him or a first-degree relative.
• Other mitochondrial variants associated with Western Eurasian and Near Eastern populations were detected, but the mixed genetic material prevented attribution to an original individual.
• Skin-associated bacteria, including Cutibacterium and Staphylococcus, as well as salt-tolerant microorganisms, yeasts, molds, and fungi, were identified.
• Plant and animal DNA included sources such as cultivated crops, livestock, domestic animals, and Mediterranean red coral. DNA from crops introduced to Europe during or after the Middle Ages indicated that at least some contamination was relatively recent.
• Proteomic testing detected skin-associated proteins but no evidence of ancient peptides, supporting the interpretation that much of the biological material resulted from handling.
• The researchers concluded that metagenomic testing could not establish whether the Shroud was medieval or approximately 2,000 years old. Related work on vacuumed Shroud dust also reported mixed human and non-human DNA.

Clinical Implications

The study demonstrates that DNA recovered from a handled historical object may reflect later contact and environmental exposure rather than its original material or source. The authors concluded that the DNA results could not determine the Shroud’s age or geographic origin.

Conclusion

The Shroud specimens contained diverse genetic material, with evidence of modern handling and contamination limiting historical interpretation. The sequencing results did not resolve the artifact’s age or origin.

Related Resources & Content

1. Authors not specified in supplied material, Scientific Reports, 2026 — DNA signatures preserved in the official 1978 sample collection of the Shroud of Turin
2. Authors not specified in supplied material, Scientific Reports, 2015 — Uncovering the sources of DNA found on the Turin Shroud
3. MDSpire News — DNA Quality Outweighs Bone Source
4. The Analytical Scientist — Jurassic Park Parchment
5. ASCO Publications — Biopsy Misidentification Identified by DNA Profiling in a Large Multicenter Trial
6. the analytical scientist — Reconstructing the King’s Tale
7. DNA signatures preserved in the official 1978 sample collection of the Shroud of Turin
8. The results of new research based on sequencing DNA found on the Shroud were presented
9. Uncovering the sources of DNA found on the Turin Shroud
10. DNA signatures preserved in the official 1978 sample collection of the Shroud of Turin - PMC
11. DNA signatures preserved in the official 1978 sample collection of the Shroud of Turin | Scientific Reports
12. The results of new research based on sequencing DNA found on the Shroud were presented | Università di Padova
13. Uncovering the sources of DNA found on the Turin Shroud | Scientific Reports
14. https://www.swgdam.org/_files/ugd/4344b0_9784320e1188491fbdd0dbf040ca69ae.pdf
15. https://www.swgdam.org/_files/ugd/4344b0_461def062fa041259e790c8d9dcb2b89.pdf
16. https://www.swgdam.org/_files/ugd/4344b0_15de8f3786574ac09b4d1d44bf307384.pdf
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18. ISO 18385:2016 - Minimizing the risk of human DNA contamination in products used to collect, store and analyze biological material for forensic purposes — Requirements
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20. Recovery and analysis of ancient DNA: challenges, methods, and applications in forensic and archaeological science - PMC
21. INTERPOL Review of Forensic Biology and DNA, 2023-2025 | NIST
22. The invisible witness: air and dust as DNA evidence of human occupancy in indoor premises - PMC
23. The necessity for authentication of ancient DNA from archaeological artefacts - ScienceDirect