‘This Is Very Strange’: Ancient Smallpox May Have Been Less Deadly
Why This Matters
This discovery fundamentally shifts our understanding of smallpox's evolutionary trajectory, suggesting the virus was initially less virulent before evolving into a global killer. It offers crucial insights into how pathogens can adapt and increase their deadliness over centuries, providing a historical lens on viral evolution. This context is vital for understanding past epidemics and potential future viral shifts.
Scientists have found smallpox viruses in the remains of people in Chile from around 500 years ago, revealing how the virus may have evolved into a global killer.
Curation & Context
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