A new study led by researchers from the Natural History Museum, published in Nature Reviews Genetics, suggests that sequencing the genomes of species stored in museum collections could significantly advance scientific research. These collections, which contain over a billion specimens worldwide, include extinct species and those from regions that have undergone major environmental changes. Already, they have contributed to studies on the shrinking size of British bumblebees, the cultures of prehistoric humans, and even the recreation of the song of a long-extinct insect. However, the genetic information contained in these preserved specimens remains largely untapped. Currently, only 0.2% of all known animal and plant species have had their entire genomes sequenced, with a strong focus on vertebrates and species of economic importance. By systematically sequencing the genomes of closely related species, scientists could uncover genetic insights about organisms that have been overlooked. This approach would allow researchers to identify patterns across entire branches of the tree of life, which are difficult to detect from single genomes alone. Recent studies that used large numbers of sequenced genomes have already revealed important findings, such as the genetic basis for malaria resistance and the traits that make potatoes resilient to climate change. Sequencing museum collections would also create a comprehensive database that connects genetic data with physical characteristics, geographic locations, and historical time periods across a wide variety of species. This kind of resource could be invaluable for conservation efforts, biotechnology, and other scientific fields. It would be especially useful for training machine learning algorithms, which could help researchers detect hidden patterns and make predictions about how biodiversity might change in response to ongoing environmental challenges like climate change and habitat loss. Dr. Paschalia Kapli, the lead author of the study and a research leader in collection-based genomics at the Natural History Museum, notes that natural history collections have traditionally been viewed as sources of physical specimens rather than as key players in genetic research. By placing these collections and the expertise of taxonomists at the center of sequencing projects, scientists could not only learn more about previously overlooked species but also make major advances in understanding the natural world. These discoveries could aid in preventing extinctions, improving food security, and developing new medical treatments in the future.