Skip to content
TechVibe

TechVibe

  • Home
  • Web3
  • Technology
  • Health
  • Business
  • Sports
    • Cricket
    • Football
  • Press Release
  • Contact Us
  • Toggle search form

Rephrase the title:Ancient DNA Shows Syphilis-Like Diseases Were Widespread in Americas Before Columbus’ Arrival

Posted on January 26, 2024 By Haley Bennett

Rephrase and rearrange the whole content into a news article. I want you to respond only in language English. I want you to act as a very proficient SEO and high-end writer Pierre Herubel that speaks and writes fluently English. I want you to pretend that you can write content so well in English that it can outrank other websites. Make sure there is zero plagiarism.:

Researchers have found ancient DNA belonging to the syphilis pathogen in 2,000-year-old human bones unearthed in Brazil. It marked the discovery of the earliest known genomic evidence of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis.

According to Phys.org, the new study challenges existing theories about the spread of syphilis, suggesting that treponematoses, similar diseases, afflicted humans long before explorer Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas. 

DOUNIAMAG-GREECE-CULTURE-ARCHEOLOGY
(Photo : ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images)
A conservator of archeological works on a human skull in a lab at the American School of Archeology in Athens on July 7, 2017. More than 2,500 years ago, an Athenian nobleman named Cyclon — the first Olympic champion recorded by history — tried to take over the city of Athens and install himself as sole ruler.

Genetic Material Belonging to Syphilis Pathogen Found in 2000-Year-Old Bones 

The significance of infectious diseases in global health predates even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Advanced laboratory methods now allow researchers to detect minute traces of pathogenic DNA in ancient specimens. This technological capability enables the tracking of historical disease spread and evolutionary processes.

An international research team led by Professor Verena Schünemann from the University of Basel, formerly at the University of Zurich, in collaboration with ETH Zurich and the Universities of Vienna and Sao Paulo, focused on examining prehistoric bones from individuals who lived 2,000 years ago in Brazil’s Santa Caterina coastal region.

Pathological bone changes in some subjects indicated an illness reminiscent of syphilis. In a meticulous process using dentists’ drilling tools in sterile conditions, researchers extracted tiny bone samples to isolate ancient DNA associated with the syphilis pathogen. 

The study highlights that all scrutinized bacterial genomes can be linked to the Treponema pallidum endemicum strain. This Treponema organism that causes bejel belongs to the same family as the bacterium that causes syphilis, pinta, and yaws.

While syphilis presents a worldwide health concern as a sexually transmitted disease, bejel, transmitted through skin contact, is currently limited in very arid regions of Africa and Asia, according to the researchers.

Read Also: Archaeologists Say Indonesia’s Ancient Structure Could Be World’s Oldest Pyramid Built by Human Hands

Did Colombus Introduce Syphilis to Europe?

The research noted that endemic syphilis already existed in the humid zones of Brazil over 2,000 years ago, suggesting that people were already becoming infected with endemic syphilis more than 1,000 years before Columbus arrived in the New World. 

Ongoing debates among specialists and medical historians center on whether Columbus’ crew introduced sexually transmitted syphilis to Europe upon their return in 1492. 

The study’s emphasis on endemic treponemal diseases in Brazil leaves the origin of sexually transmitted syphilis unresolved, yet the authors posit that treponematoses were widespread in Europe before Columbus’ era.

“As we have not found any sexually transmitted syphilis in South America, the theory that Columbus brought syphilis to Europe seems to appear more improbable,” said Schünemann. 

Examining prehistoric DNA in Brazilian bones compared to contemporary pathogens reveals occurrences of horizontal gene transfer, emphasizing evolutionary interactions. 

This research challenges established narratives about the historical dissemination of syphilis, offering fresh perspectives on the global prevalence of treponematoses spanning two millennia. The team’s findings were published in the journal Nature.

Related Article: 2,000-Year-Old Cave Art May Suggest that Ice Age Hunter-Gatherers Were the First to Use a Calendar – New Study

Byline

ⓒ 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Haley Bennett

I have over 10 years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry and I have been on the list of the top authors on LinkedIn for the past 5 years. I have a wealth of knowledge to share with my readers, and my goal is to help them navigate the ever-changing world of cryptocurrencies.

Health Tags:Ancient DNA, Archaeology, Christopher Columbus, Colombus, dna

Post navigation

Previous Post: Rephrase the title:Xabi Alonso’s football addiction: Success puts Bayer Leverkusen manager on Liverpool, Real Madrid doorstep
Next Post: Rephrase the title:Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unfurls National flag on Republic Day

Related Posts

Rephrase the title:Unlocking the Fountain of Youth? New Research Suggests Reprogramming T Cells to Reverse Aging Health
Rephrase the title:Genetically Modified Cows Increase Human Insulin Production by 10x – Study Health
Rephrase the title:Apple Car’s Wake: New Report Details Deal with Mercedes, Ford, Tesla, and Steve Job’s Plan Health
Health Risks and Leadership Impact of Workaholism Revealed in Study on Dedication’s Dark Side Health
Health influencers are warned by the FTC for not disclosing promotions of sugar and aspartame. Health
Rephrase the title:Hyundai Unveils ‘Walking Car’ with Robotic Legs Taking Mobility to New Heights Health

Recent Posts

  • Robin Open Social-Fi: Revolutionizes Gaming with Innovative Integration and Global Partnerships
  • $GUMMY Set to Launch New Meta On Staking on Solana
  • BinoStake.io: Transforming Crypto Investments On BNB Chain with Liquid Staking Solutions
  • Mocaverse to Develop Decentralized Social Layer
  • Expansion of Web3 Fueled by Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary

Categories

  • Business
  • Cricket
  • Football
  • Health
  • Press Release
  • Technology
  • Web3

About Us

Welcome to TechVibe9, where the rhythm of technology meets innovation! We are a group of tech enthusiasts on a mission to uncover and showcase the latest in the tech world.

Mail Us : support@techvibe9.com

Latest Post

  • Robin Open Social-Fi: Revolutionizes Gaming with Innovative Integration and Global Partnerships
  • $GUMMY Set to Launch New Meta On Staking on Solana
  • BinoStake.io: Transforming Crypto Investments On BNB Chain with Liquid Staking Solutions

Helpful Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Copyright © TechVibe9

Powered by PressBook Masonry Dark