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Ancient mummy DNA reveals chilling clue to deadly disease that swept the Americas
DNA from centuries-old mummies in Chile provides strong evidence that smallpox reached the Americas only after European colonisation. The finding matters because it supports the view that the disease was introduced by Europeans and then contributed to devastating outbreaks among Indigenous populations.
The research, published in the journal Science, examined ancient remains from Chile for traces of the virus. It adds genetic evidence to a long-running debate over whether smallpox existed in the Americas before European contact.
In short
- Ancient Chilean DNA supports post-colonisation arrival of smallpox.
- The study was published in Science.
- It strengthens evidence of Europe-linked disease transmission.
Explained simply
Smallpox is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. Before it was eradicated through vaccination, it caused serious illness and death in many parts of the world.
The Americas were home to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years before Europeans arrived from the late 15th century onwards. European colonisation brought new diseases, and outbreaks caused widespread loss of life among Indigenous communities.
Historians have debated whether smallpox was present in the Americas before European contact. Evidence about when it arrived helps researchers understand the effects of colonisation and disease on Indigenous populations.
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