The Dhaka Times Desk Currently, the whole world is in fear of Corona. However, Corona is not the only epidemic in the history of human civilization. Even before this, many epidemics have struck on a large scale. This time, the history of the epidemic was found in the teeth of the skeleton!
Microscopic enemies like viruses and bacteria have wreaked havoc across vast parts of the world. After disappearing for a few days, they came back with a scary look. Recently, a study has revealed the stories of such diseases.
Literally, people have been 'doing' about pandemics for ages. Paleogenomics, a different branch of science, has brought out various information related to that. Virtually revolutionized this branch of science. 7 ancient skulls recovered from the soil. The DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) hidden in that skull has now opened the door to re-discovering the history of human diseases.
Research has shown that the plague took the form of an epidemic during the reign of Roman Emperor Antonius Pius in 165 AD. 50 lakh people died then. In 541 AD, the plague also struck during the reign of Emperor Justinian of Eastern Rome. Its rampage was more extensive. 50 million people died in the plague at that time. Seeing all these evidences, the researchers believe that the relationship between humans and epidemics is much older than previously thought. This new information about the oldest epidemic has researchers even more worried.
Anne Stone, a researcher at Arizona State University in the United States, said, "Coronavirus is behind Covid-19. We found just such examples in research. But it is being investigated at exactly what time.'' Anne Stone is a partner in that research. Paleogenomics can unravel many unknown accounts of civilization. Maria Spiru, a microbiologist at Max Planck University in Germany, highlighted that possibility. He feels, “Historical information is often not available. At that time, sometimes DNA testing can surprisingly close the gap.''
Plague struck England in the Middle Ages. That epidemic is known as 'Black Death'. However, scientists and archeologists still believe that humans suffered from the plague even before that. Plague also struck in the Stone Age. His evidence was found through DNA collected from tooth fragments of skeletons from that period. Even after many ages that evidence has not been lost. But there was some difference in the genes of the plague of that time and the plague of the Middle Ages. The gene needed for the disease to come from the body of the fly to the human body was not even present in the ancient bacteria. That disease was spread from another animal. In 2018, the University of Copenhagen first reported that the disease occurred in ancient times before the plague in England. The paper claimed that the plague had struck a large populated area in Switzerland. Experts believe that the disease was the first epidemic in the world.
The 'relationship' of viruses or bacteria with humans is actually very old. That is what paleogenomics is highlighting. According to Anne Stone, "paleogenomics reveals the history of man's long battle with viruses."
Things to do to prevent Corona virus
# stay at home all the time.
# Follow the rules and use mask when going out for emergency.
# three-layer surgical mask can be washed if desired.
# wash clothes after coming home from outside. Or hang it without shaking for at least four hours.
# Wash hands thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds) with soap or liquid before coming outside.
# plastic PPE or eyes, mouth, head after single use
Of course it can be washed thoroughly with detergent and dried.
# Wear PPE made of cloth or clean as described.
# Use a head cap that completely covers the hair.
# Those who have sneeze cough should follow all the rules promulgated by the government. Also, wash hands as directed before and after handling food items, keys, switches, mice, remote controls, mobiles, watches, computer desks, TVs, etc. and after using the bathroom. Those who have dry hands use Moisture after washing their hands. Soap or hand liquid can be used. Why can this virus remain in the crackle (cracked part) of dry hands? Avoid using highly alkaline soaps or detergents.
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