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Sheeppox DNA found hidden in medieval gospel parchments

Original: Ancient virus hunters: how we discovered sheeppox DNA hidden in medieval gospels by Kevin Daly DNA can survive in parchm

Researchers report discovering sheeppox viral DNA preserved in the parchment of medieval gospel manuscripts, showing that DNA can survive in animal-skin writing material for well over a thousand years. The finding highlights how ancient manuscripts can serve as archives of long-lost pathogens, offering virologists and historians a new window into the diseases circulating among medieval livestock and the people who handled them.

Why now: The surprising discovery that medieval manuscripts preserve ancient viral DNA is capturing interest across science and history communities.

Kevin DalyProject GutenbergThe Conversation

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Evidence

• Ancient virus hunters: how we discovered sheeppox DNA hidden in medieval gospels by Kevin Daly DNA can survive in parchment for well over a thousand years. https:// theconversation.com/ancient-vi… · gutenberg_org · 14

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