Significant progress has been achieved in various aspects since the inception of the project. A highly competent and dedicated team has been successfully established, comprising PhD students, postdocs, lab technicians, research engineers, and master students. Despite the unprecedented challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team has effectively fostered a collaborative, friendly and hard-working environment. The collection and processing of archaeological samples encountered logistical obstacles, exacerbated by the pandemic's impact. However, the team's efforts and determination have surpassed initial expectations, resulting in the acquisition of an extensive sample collection and the execution of comprehensive DNA sequencing efforts. Consequently, a large ancient DNA dataset of ancient microbes from the Southern Cone of the Americas has been generated. This invaluable resource encompasses oral microbiome profiles and the identification of systemic pathogens.
Noteworthy advancements have been made within each work package of the project. The exploration of the microbial landscape of pre-Columbian populations has unveiled the phylogenetic diversity of oral microbial species prevalent in the Americas. Additionally, an extensive dataset of oral microbiome profiles has been generated, encompassing both hunter-gatherer and agriculturalist communities from the late Holocene period. This dataset serves as a valuable resource for investigating the influence of the agricultural transition on microbial composition and population health, which is currently being analyzed by different members of the team.
Furthermore, the project has initiated various community engagement initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue and involving local and indigenous populations residing in the regions under study. We have also established a collaborative network comprising numerous archaeologists from Argentina and Chile. Through these collaborations, valuable insights and perspectives are being shared, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the region's history and archaeological contexts.
In summary, the project has made substantial progress on multiple fronts, including team formation, sample collection, data generation, and scientific advancements within each work package. These achievements have significantly enriched our understanding of the microbial landscape in pre-Columbian populations and the impact of the agricultural transition in their microbial makeup.
