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Scientists Extracted DNA From Medieval Parchment-and Found a Hidden Disease
Gizmodo • • science
Key Points:
- A multidisciplinary team analyzed DNA from medieval manuscripts made of animal skins, uncovering 21 sheeppox virus genomes dating from 1700 BCE to 1917 CE, enabling reconstruction of over 3,500 years of sheeppox virus evolution.
- The study demonstrated that ancient parchments can preserve animal pathogen DNA, suggesting archives worldwide may hold genetic traces of historical animal disease outbreaks.
- Researchers used a non-invasive eraser rubbing technique on parchment to extract DNA, revealing that medieval books represent genetic material from entire herds of animals used in their production.
- Analysis indicated that sheeppox likely diverged from related diseases around 3000 BCE, coinciding with the rise of sheep domestication and flock management, which facilitated viral evolution.
- Unlike smallpox, the sheeppox virus genome has remained stable over millennia, implying early genetic changes were crucial for its adaptation and offering insights for future disease control.
