A new study published in the journal Nature Communications has revealed an exciting development in the field of paleopathology. Paleopathology is a speciality of paleontology which focuses on the study of diseases in ancient fossils and their relation to evolution. The study has centered on the bacteria known to cause tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and has found evidence that the bacteria has been present in the human species for at least 6,000 years. This is the oldest documented evidence of the disease, and it is a remarkable discovery that provides insight into the evolution and transmission of tuberculosis throughout history. The findings also suggest that the pathogen has been with us for far longer than previously thought.

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source: Phys.org