In the study of ancient diseases, nothing speaks like the dead. So it's relatively easy to date tuberculosis due to the lesions it leaves on bones. Pneumonia may be more ancient than TB, but lung tissue doesn't hold up so well after being buried. DNA testing of samples from mummies and skeletons can conclusively identify disease. And even without the evidence of a body, genes in existing samples of TB and leprosy bacteria suggest prehistoric origin.
This week, a look at the 10 oldest known diseases.
TTFN, Fred.
Quote of the week: "I may not have a lot to give, but what I got I'll give to you." – The Beatles, "Can't Buy Me Love" (Lennon-McCartney)
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