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submitted 6 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

Why are diseases more common in some parts of Europe than others, and why are northern Europeans taller than their southern counterparts?

An international team of scientists say they have unearthed the answer in the DNA of ancient teeth and bones.

The genes which protected our ancestors from animal diseases now raise the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The researchers call their discovery "a quantum leap" in understanding the evolution of the disease.

And they say it could change opinions on what causes MS, and have an impact on the way it is treated.

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[-] [email protected] 6 points 6 months ago

Interesting read. So I now wonder if MS also existed and would present itself back when this gene became prevalent (and people lived long enough), or if there are new environmental factors (or anything else) that is tricking this gene/immune system into thinking that the nerve coating is something that it should be attacking.

this post was submitted on 15 Jan 2024
119 points (97.6% liked)

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