Researchers have identified the first ancient case of Turner syndrome, a genetic condition characterized by a single X chromosome, in a 2,500-year-old skeleton. The study, which analyzed DNA from skeletons in the U.K., also found individuals with Klinefelter syndrome, XYY syndrome, and Down syndrome. The findings provide insights into ancient societies' care for individuals with genetic conditions and offer a more complex understanding of social gender through the study of variations in sex chromosomes in ancient DNA.
Researchers have identified the first ancient case of Turner syndrome in a 2,500-year-old individual with just one X chromosome, using DNA from the Thousand Ancient British Genomes project. The study also revealed five other individuals with sex chromosomal conditions, including Klinefelter syndrome, XYY syndrome, and Down syndrome, shedding light on genetic diversity and social gender norms in ancient societies. The findings highlight the potential of studying variations in sex chromosomes in ancient DNA to gain a more complex understanding of human history and gender identity.
An analysis of skeletons from people who died during the 1918 flu pandemic challenges the prevailing narrative that the virus disproportionately killed young and healthy individuals. The study, based on over 3,000 skeletons from the Hamann-Todd Human Osteological Collection, found that individuals with underlying frailty, such as from other infections or malnutrition, were 2.7 times more likely to die during the pandemic. While the 1918 flu did affect people of all ages and health statuses, the research highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health and protecting vulnerable populations in future epidemics.
