This article discusses how ancient DNA of extinct human relatives has been found in a cave in Croatia. Tiny DNA fragments were found in sediments in the cave. These sediments date back from 14000 to 550000 years ago. The discovery of DNA in sediments can be seen as a new way to learn about the past. Hopefully this technique leads to many more exciting discoveries in the future.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170427141708.htm