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DNA Preservation Research: The Downside and Upside of an Enigma

Research leading to a better understanding of the deterioration and preservation processes of DNA could provide a favorable future for natural history collections by reducing unnecessary destructive sampling and by increasing collection use for modern molecular studies. More information is needed to assess the value of existing collections for DNA investigations. Equally important is the need to improve preservation strategies at multiple levels so that future specimens can better accommodate such investigations. On the downside, only a few researchers have touched upon these needs over the past two decades; on the upside, there are currently good opportunities for developing this type of research program. To demonstrate these opportunities, four areas of preservation research are proposed, followed with comments regarding resources.