Full storyJENA, Germany, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The plague known as the Black Death is estimated to have killed roughly half of Europe's population during the 14th century. The pathogens did most of their damage between 1346 and 1353, but new research shows the plague persisted through the 18th century.
Although scientists have made great strides in retracing the path of the Black Death, questions remain about its genesis and evolution.
Recently, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History were able to reconstruct the pathogen genomes via analysis of DNA samples collected from the victims of the Great Plague of Marseille.
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Plague pathogens hid in Europe for four centuries
- Rowan
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Plague pathogens hid in Europe for four centuries
It's not hard to believe that the plague hung around for 400 years. Medical science hadn't come into its own for a long time, so they really had no means to eradicate it fully.
- Lisa
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Re: Plague pathogens hid in Europe for four centuries
I didn't count properly there and was worried you were about to say its still around today!
Although I have read of bubonic plague cases in the US recently, so I guess it's still alive and kicking there (possibly a different strain though).
Although I have read of bubonic plague cases in the US recently, so I guess it's still alive and kicking there (possibly a different strain though).
- Rowan
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Re: Plague pathogens hid in Europe for four centuries
Oh I'm sure any one of the old diseases could come back with a vengeance, Lisa. People just think it's all gone.
- Lisa
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- Location: Northeast Scotland
Re: Plague pathogens hid in Europe for four centuries
If it doesn't exist already, there will probably be a Hollywood blockbuster about it at some point. It will have a name like Black Death: Apocalypse Zero and will involve zombies, helicopters and whoever plays Bruce Willis roles these days.
This is my prophecy
This is my prophecy