A new study rewrites the history of the plague A new study looks at one of the most prolific pathogens in human history — the plague.
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A new study looks at one of the most prolific pathogens in human history — the plague.
A new study rewrites the history of the plague A new study looks at one of the most prolific pathogens in human history — the plague.
Science
NPR App
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

DNA from hunter-gatherer teeth reveals secrets of ancient plague

Ancient DNA rewrites plague history after deadly outbreaks found 5,500 years ago

Ancient DNA is rewriting the history of plague

Scientists Just Rewrote the Origin Story of One of Humanity’s Deadliest Diseases

Ancient teeth rewrite what we know about plague’s timeline

Ancient teeth rewrite the plague's timeline, dating back to over 5,500 years ago

Our ancient enemy: scientists discover oldest-known plague outbreak

Ancient Teeth Push the Plague's Timeline Back to Over 5,500 Years Ago

Scientists find oldest known evidence of plague dating back 5,500 years

How did plague evolve? 5,500-year-old DNA points to a far more ancient origin

Our podcast on science and technology. Genetic material from prehistoric bones is illuminating the relationship between humans…

Hear the biggest stories from the world of science | 17 June 2026

Scientists say the find could provide clues on how pathogens may emerge in the future

Dense cities do not seem to have been necessary for outbreaks of the disease

The outbreak occurred much earlier than the Middle Ages and had an unexpectedly high mortality rate.

Scientists say the find could provide clues on how pathogens may emerge in the future