Science
Ancient DNA Reveals Secrets of Extinct Humans and Smallpox
New Scientist reports that bits of DNA from a long-lost 'ghost ancestor' are hidden within modern humans, while smallpox DNA found in ancient Inca mummies provides evidence the virus was brought to the Americas from Europe.
Coverage timeline — 2 articles
New Scientist
We all have bits of DNA from a long-lost “ghost ancestor” inside us – and by putting all the different bits together, we might be able to reconstruct their genome
2026-07-30 18:00 UTC
New Scientist
The mummies of two people who lived in Chile more than 400 years ago carry DNA from smallpox, providing the first molecular evidence that the virus was brought to the Americas from Europe
2026-07-30 18:00 UTC