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Our podcast on science and technology. Genetic material from prehistoric bones is illuminating the relationship between humans and their diseases
Catch up on global daily news
Compelling long reads
Tune into captivating conversations
Watch engaging short films
Behind the scenes at The Economist

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

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

A new book offers a different account of the pestilence

Our podcast on science and technology. A better understanding of how cancer develops in human cells is leading to new ways to…

Leading models are getting better at designing pathogens

A new study looks at one of the most prolific pathogens in human history — the plague.