The Department of Zoology houses a suite of specialised clean labs dedicated to unlocking genetic secrets from ancient and environmental samples (aDNA and eDNA).

Within this secure facility, research is conducted in a series of isolated, positive-pressure cleanrooms, each equipped with purpose-built technology. This includes a dedicated drilling room for bone sampling, carbon-filtered microbiological cabinets, and other relevant instrumentation, all designed to work with highly degraded and trace DNA.

The labs and protocols are designed to safeguard these precious samples from contamination. A strict working procedure guides researchers through the labs. This system, combined with positive air pressure, full personal protective equipment and a meticulous cleaning regime, provides the environment essential for preventing cross-contamination, whether from modern human DNA or between different eDNA samples.

Please contact Sylviane Moss (smmc2@cam.ac.uk) if your work requires access to the facility.