Ancient bones shed new light on debate over origins of syphilis

Study finds 9,000-year-old remains in Americas hold genomes of bacteria family that causes disease

After the French king Charles VIII invaded Italy in 1494, an unknown and disfiguring disease erupted in the army camps and duly spread across Europe when the men returned to their homelands the following year.

The epidemic is regarded as the first historical account of syphilis, but where the disease came from has been debated by scholars ever since. One camp believes it emerged in the Americas, and was brought to Europe by Columbus in 1493. Another suspects it was lurking in Europe before the explorer set sail.

Topics

Musk’s attack on F-35s fuels debate over expensive fighter jets

Defence groups and military face questions over piloted aircraft at a time when drones are playing a bigger role in aerial combat
Financial Times - 1d
A new IPO offers shares in something completely different: dinosaur bones

The market for rare dino skeletons has been heating up. Just ask hedge-fund billionaire Ken Griffin, who acquired one for $44.6 million.
MarketWatch - 4d
When did Neanderthals interbreed with ancient humans? Research sheds light on our ancestry

The Neanderthal DNA found in modern human genomes has long raised questions about ancient interbreeding. New studies offer a timeline of when that occurred and when ancient humans left Africa.
NBC News - 5d
Germany's one million Syrians at centre of fierce debate over their future

Some politicians question the future of Syrian refugees, with migration the big issue in February elections.
BBC News - Dec. 11
Debate Over Hegseth’s Fitness Highlights a Gender Divide in the Senate

As many of the Senate’s Republican men dismiss allegations against President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, only a small group of G.O.P. women have voiced even a hint of ...
The New York Times - Dec. 11
Roki Sasaki's agent sheds light on his client's posting process, pursuit of MLB home

The Dodgers are expected to be a top contender for Roki Sasaki, though Joel Wolfe said he still has to talk more with Sasaki about exactly what he is looking for in an MLB team.
Yahoo Sports - Dec. 10
In Penny Verdict, a Flashpoint in the Debate Over Crime and Mental Illness

A New York jury acquitted Daniel Penny in the death of Jordan Neely. Republican politicians hailed the verdict. But some New Yorkers found it deeply disturbing.
The New York Times - Dec. 10
2024 Light the Lights 5PM News Mention

Micah Smith live at City & County Building for Light the Lights, Danielle Grant does weather from Civic Center Park
Yahoo Sports - Dec. 3
2024 Light the Lights 507PM News Mention

Micah Smith live at City & County Building and explains what days and times you can watch the Light show
Yahoo Sports - Dec. 3