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Humans

Oldest known human viruses found hidden within Neanderthal bones

Genetic analysis of 50,000-year-old Neanderthal skeletons has uncovered the remnants of three viruses related to modern human pathogens, and the researchers think they could be recreated

By James Woodford

14 May 2024

Neanderthals were affected by some of the same viruses as modern humans

S. ENTRESSANGLE/E. DAYNES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Genetic sequences from three common viruses that plague humanity today have been isolated from the remains of Neanderthals who lived more than 50,000 years ago.

at the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil, says it may be possible to synthesise these viruses and infect modern human cells with them in the lab.

“T³ó±ð²õ±ð Jurassic Park-like viruses could then be studied for their reproductive and pathogenic…

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