Medieval Manuscripts Contain Genetic Evidence of Historic Sheeppox Virus
Researchers have identified viral genetic material in ancient manuscripts, suggesting historical documents can serve as biological records of past disease outbreaks.
Medieval manuscripts may hold genetic evidence of historical sheeppox virus outbreaks, according to research findings. The preserved documents contain viral genetic material that researchers describe as functioning like "biological time capsules" for the disease.
Other archives and libraries worldwide may also contain similar genetic traces of past disease outbreaks, suggesting manuscripts could become valuable resources for studying the history of infectious diseases and viral evolution.
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