The Daily Is the Future of Medicine Hidden in Ancient DNA?
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Jan 31, 2024 
Carl Zimmer, a science correspondent for The New York Times and writer of the Origins column, dives into how ancient DNA from Bronze Age skeletons is revolutionizing modern medicine. He discusses the burgeoning field of paleogenomics and its potential to uncover solutions for contemporary health issues. Discover how genetic legacies from ancient populations, like the Yamnaya, are informing our understanding of diseases today, including multiple sclerosis, and why past advantages may now be genetic risks.
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Ancient DNA Research
- Scientists now extract ancient DNA from bones to study ancient life.
- This allows studying the molecular life of ancient people and animals.
The Yamnaya People
- The Yamnaya, ancient herders and horse riders, expanded from the steppes.
- They dominated Northern Europe, becoming ancestors of many modern populations.
Ancient DNA and Disease
- The Yamnaya's DNA holds secrets about devastating modern diseases.
- Studying ancient DNA helps understand the history and evolution of diseases.