United KingdomScientists discovered the oldest known evidence of the plague, dating back over 5,500 years, challenging previous estimates that placed the origin of the disease around 5,300 years ago. Researchers analyzed remains from four cemeteries near Lake Baikal in Siberia and identified plague-causing bacteria in the teeth of 18 ancient hunter-gatherers. Radiocarbon dating indicated two outbreaks, with the earliest beginning approximately 5,500 years ago. The study suggests the prehistoric plague spread through contact with infected animals like marmots and person-to-person transmission. Many victims were young children, and the findings indicate that early forms of the plague were as deadly as later outbreaks, such as the Black Death. The research, published in the journal Nature, highlights the evolution of the bacterium leading to modern plague strains.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a scientific discovery without overt ideological framing. It focuses on historical and biological findings, using neutral language and citing academic sources. There is no indication of political bias or agenda-driven narrative.
