Fascinating DNA research from the Lundbeck GeoGenetics centre in Copenhagen opens up many possibilities for studies regarding disability and health in Antiquity: “In a whole genome scan of the genetic material of the 35-40 year old man, researchers found traces of a bacterium that causes tuberculosis. A thorough examination of a vertebra showed that it was vertebral tuberculosis: a serious form of tuberculosis also called “Pott’s disease” which affects the vertebrae […]. He was probably too weak to run away”.
“Why is this discovery so important? “Pompeii is like a photo of 79 AD, of the people of that time. It’s unique in the world,” Scorrano points out. Genetic material can now be added to this photo. “We’ve opened up a new opportunity for people to research this population.”
We cannot wait to here more from Prof. Gabriele Scorrano and Dr. Serena Viva about their extraordinary findings!
Learn more: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61557424 https://dodofinance.com/too-sick-to-flee-pompeii-due-to-volcanic-eruption-dna-analysis-solves-90-year-old-mystery/
For the study by Scorrano and Viva, see: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-10899-1