| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of sustainability science and technology |
| Editors | Robert A. Myers |
| Place of Publication | New York |
| Publisher | Springer, Springer Nature |
| Pages | 1-16 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781493924936 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2021 |
Abstract
Until relatively recently, it appeared that archaeologists were doomed never to fully identify the origins, extent, and types of ancient microbial diseases, and epidemics that were so important in determining the course of history; this is with the exception of lesions on bones that may be highly suggestive of ancient microbial disease and the occasional lesion in a preserved corpse, or in mummies. The central importance of microorganisms in the history of humanity is unquestionable: They must have been associated in the development of all living things on this planet.
The oldest known bacteria designated as micrococcus was found in pre-Cambrian rocks in the state of Montana, USA, associated with algae in the very early stages of the Earth’s history. There is also evidence of a viral infection in a fossilized bird dating from 90 million years ago, and a dental abscess was found in a Homo erectus of 1–2 million years ago. The skull of a Rhodesian man (40,000 BP) contains a clearly identifiable mastoid abscess.
The development of a new field of research helping us to identify and amplify ancient genetic material called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) enabled us to make significant progress in our understanding of the effects particularly of microbial diseases on human evolution.
The oldest known bacteria designated as micrococcus was found in pre-Cambrian rocks in the state of Montana, USA, associated with algae in the very early stages of the Earth’s history. There is also evidence of a viral infection in a fossilized bird dating from 90 million years ago, and a dental abscess was found in a Homo erectus of 1–2 million years ago. The skull of a Rhodesian man (40,000 BP) contains a clearly identifiable mastoid abscess.
The development of a new field of research helping us to identify and amplify ancient genetic material called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) enabled us to make significant progress in our understanding of the effects particularly of microbial diseases on human evolution.