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First ancient herpes genomes to be sequenced suggest a Bronze Age flourishing linked to migrations into Europe and possibly the emergence of kissing.

Labs across the country have converted to the genetic sequencing of coronavirus samples to help track its mutation and spread. ̽»¨Ö±²¥initiative, COG-UK, is being led by Cambridge. We spoke to one of the scientists lending their time and expertise.

New research uses innovative data modelling to predict which species acted as an intermediary between our ancestors and those of chimpanzees to carry HSV2 – the genital herpes virus – across the species barrier.

Review of latest genetic evidence suggests infectious diseases are tens of thousands of years older than previously thought, and that they could jump between species of ‘hominin’. Researchers says that humans migrating out of Africa would have been ‘reservoirs of tropical disease’ – disease that may have sped up Neanderthal extinction.