Genetic evidence suggests that ancient humans were exposed to the corona virus 20,000 years ago in East Asia, according to a study published June 24 in Current Biology. Researchers have found unique traces in the genomes of people from China, Japan and Vietnam, who have also advised their ancestors to take a risk against the virus. Adapt. These markers were not found on other continents, or even in neighboring South Asia. The markers were also different from those associated with other diseases in the region.
These findings indicate the populations dealt with an epidemic of coronavirus or a very similar virus, according to the study, authored by scientists from several institutions, including the University of Arizona Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Australian Centre for Ancient DNA.
The new evidence of coronavirus infections from 20,000 years ago is supported by earlier research estimating that the family of viruses emerged around 23,000 to 25,000 years ago.
Understanding this ancient epidemic could help us better understand how to treat coronavirus cases today, the researchers wrote in the study. Four of the genes researchers identified as playing a role in coronavirus response are targeted by new therapies being used or tested to treat COVID-19.
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