Oldest Human Viruses Found In 50,000-Year-Old Neanderthal Bones

Researchers have found traces of ancient viruses in 50,000-year-old Neanderthal bones. This is expected to help in finding out the reason behind the extinction of Neanderthals, the closest extinct relatives of humans.

Scientists suspected that some infectious diseases may have been the reason behind the extinction of Neanderthals. But there wa no evidence to prove it.

This new study, led by molecular biologist Marcelo Briones, analyzed DNA samples from Neanderthal skeletons unearthed from Russia’s Chagyrskaya cave. The scientists discovered genetic fragments resembling three modern viruses: adenovirus (common colds), herpesvirus (cold sores), and papillomavirus (genital warts) in these Neanderthal bone samples.

The findings are still in the preliminary stage. The viral fragments suggest a “possible presence” of ancient viruses. Future studies exploring these viruses and other potential contributors could reveal the real reason behind the extinction of these ancient ancestors of humans.