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Ancient smallpox genomes reveal how European colonization brought the disease to the Americas

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have recovered and analyzed the first ancient smallpox virus genomes ever identified in the Americas, providing the strongest direct evidence to date that the disease was introduced through European colonization.

Phys.org BiologyPhys.org Biology
Source published Jul 30New3 min readBrightSide page reviewed Jul 30, 2026

What to take away

Watch whether the progress continues long enough to protect the place or species.

Why it's good

It points to real recovery progress for a vulnerable species or place after sustained conservation work.

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