DNA from hunter-gatherer teeth reveals secrets of ancient plague

Ancient DNA extracted from hunter-gatherer teeth has revealed evidence of deadly plague outbreaks occurring as early as 5,500 years ago. Researchers analyzed dental calculus, a form of hardened plaque, from individuals who lived during the Neolithic period. This analysis allowed scientists to identify the presence of Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague. The findings suggest that plague epidemics were a significant factor in human mortality and population dynamics much earlier than previously understood. This discovery challenges existing timelines for the emergence and spread of the disease, providing new insights into the co-evolution of humans and pathogens. The study, published in Nature on June 17, 2026, utilized advanced genomic sequencing techniques to recover and analyze degraded DNA fragments from the ancient samples. The implications extend to understanding the historical impact of infectious diseases on human societies and their migratory patterns.