Smallpox and other viruses plagued humans much earlier than suspected

Smallpox and other viruses plagued humans much earlier than suspected

Smallpox plagued humans for centuries

Smallpox is the latest example of a serious infectious disease whose history has been suddenly and substantially rewritten by discoveries gleaned from ancient DNA. Before the ancient-DNA revolution, researchers had to rely on examining skeletons — or, more rarely, mummies — for visible evidence of disease. Now, scientists are able to trace the mark of pathogens in remains to help them determine how infections influenced life, death and migration.

Nature | 8 min read