Neanderthals are the extinct Homo sapiens species
that are closely related to humans. Their DNA differs from our by .3% and now
researchers from Oxford and Plymouth University have found ancient virus in our
DNA from the extinct species. Genetic data was analyzed from these ancient
species along with some genetic data from cancer patients and data from other
ancient species called Denisovans. From the data collected, it was found that
the virus originated millions of years ago. From this finding, researchers can
now study the links between ancient viruses and new diseases.
Can this help with finding ways to treat viruses we have now?
ReplyDeleteSo the ancient disease is only seen in cancer patients?
ReplyDeleteWhat will finding this link actually do for us? Are they using ancient diseases as way to create cures or something? I'm just curious as to why it really matters.
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