Kissing may have become more common at that time.
The herpes virus behind cold sores may have first spread widely about 5,000 years ago, possibly due to the rising popularity of kissing at the time, researchers say.
That's the theory, anyway. Charlotte Houldcroft, co-senior author and leader of the Virus Genomics group in Cambridge University's Department of Genetics, told The Guardian that more evidence is needed to solidify the link between Bronze Age make-out sessions and modern herpes."Kissing is one of those behaviours that doesn't fossilise well," she said.
For the study, the researchers analyzed traces of herpes virus DNA found in the remains of four individuals excavated in the U.K., the Netherlands and Russia. The oldest remains, excavated from Russia's Ural Mountains region, were about 1,500 years old, and the youngest, found in the Netherlands, were about 350 years old.
The researchers looked to the roots of these individuals' teeth to"dust" for genetic"fingerprints" of herpes viruses. Unlike bones in the body, teeth don't regenerate, meaning they don't ever replace their old cells with new ones. Because of this, and because viruses can infiltrate teeth via the bloodstream, teeth can provide a cumulative record of pathogens a person has encountered, Live Science previously reported.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Albuquerque Honors 'Breaking Bad' Meth Duo With Bronze Statue“No doubt some folks are going to say, ‘Wow, just what our city needed.’ And I get that,” creator Vince Gilligan says at unveiling ceremony
Weiterlesen »
The coolest way to keep food cold without refrigerationBelieve it or not, you don’t need a fridge to keep food cold. Just gather some ceramic pots, sand, and water, and you’ve got a portable, non-electric mini-fridge with a time-tested design.
Weiterlesen »
Cold Sores Have Been Blistering Humans For Thousands of Years, Finds New StudyThe preservation of DNA in the teeth of humans dating as far back as 1,500 years have revealed the ancient origins of the pervasive herpes virus strain that causes cold sores.
Weiterlesen »
Sub-Zero: the home appliance company leaving competitors out in the coldCan a kitchen appliance be an object of desire? Well, a Sub-Zero refrigerator just might be the answer to some people's dreams.
Weiterlesen »
The Physics of 'Cold Quasars,' Harbingers of Galactic DeathA look at so-called 'Cold Quasars' and what they mean for galaxy formation and death
Weiterlesen »
Cold Sores Have Been Blistering Humans For Thousands of Years, Finds New StudyThe preservation of DNA in the teeth of humans dating as far back as 1,500 years have revealed the ancient origins of the pervasive herpes virus strain that causes cold sores.
Weiterlesen »