There is a new way to read ancient manuscripts at archives and libraries, and it does not entail deciphering ages-old calligraphy.

DNA of the goatskin used to wrap up a volume, bookworm excrement or microbes sprayed on manuscripts when someone sneezed on them can all shed light on life dating back centuries.

This is why it is becoming increasingly important to preserve every type of fragment, even those that might seem useless to the naked eye, according to maritime historian Joan Abela.