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The Nexus
SCIENCEJul 30 · 18:00 UTCNEW SCIENTISTJames Woodford

Smallpox DNA in ancient Inca mummies shows virus came from Europe

DNA analysis of Inca mummies in Chile revealed a smallpox strain originating from Europe, confirming the virus was introduced to the Americas through colonization. The study identified smallpox in two individuals who died between 1492 and 1631, linking the virus to European strains and highlighting its devastating impact on Indigenous populations.

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Mentioned
Shigeki NakagomepersonTrinity College DublinorganizationCamarones 9placesmallpoxtopicEuropean colonizationtopicIndigenous populationstopicChileplaceMatthew WardpersonUniversity of Dundeeorganization
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