A new study suggests syphilis may have originated in the Americas 8,000 years ago before spreading to Europe.

A new study in Nature suggests that syphilis may have originated in the Americas before spreading to Europe, possibly brought by Columbus. Researchers analyzed ancient bones and found evidence of syphilis-causing bacteria circulating in the Americas 8,000 years ago. While the study indicates the Americas served as a reservoir for the disease, the exact origins remain unclear due to similar bacteria potentially existing in Europe around the same time.

3 months ago
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