JOURNAL ARTICLE

Lice DNA records the moment Europeans colonized the Americas.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2023. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Price, Michael 3 of 3

Abstract

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the genetics of head lice can provide insights into the history of human migration and interactions. The study found that European and American lice share a genetic affinity dating back to the European colonization of the Americas. By analyzing the DNA of lice from around the world, researchers were able to trace historical contacts between human hosts and estimate when Indigenous American lice hybridized with European lice, which was approximately 500 years ago. This research demonstrates that lice can serve as markers for human evolution and migration, offering a new perspective on our history. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2023/11, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2023
  • Accession Number:173536614
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