"Uncovering Down Syndrome in Ancient Societies Through Genetic Analysis"
TL;DR
Researchers analyzing ancient DNA have identified six individuals from past societies with Down syndrome, dating back to between 5,000 and 2,500 years before present in Bronze Age sites in Greece and Bulgaria, and Iron Age sites in Spain. The individuals were found to have been cared for and appreciated as part of their ancient societies, with one individual also discovered to have Edwards Syndrome. The findings shed light on how ancient societies reacted to individuals with genetic conditions and may lead to further research in the future.
Topics:healtharchaeology#ancient-genomes#ancient-societies#archaeology#dna-analysis#down-syndrome#genetic-conditions
- Ancient genomes reveal Down syndrome in past societies Phys.org
- Cases of trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 among historic and prehistoric individuals discovered from ancient DNA Nature.com
- Scientists Find Genetic Signature of Down Syndrome in Ancient Bones The New York Times
- Down syndrome identified in 2600-year-old infants through their DNA Science
- Ancient Down syndrome cases in Bronze and Iron Ages Cosmos
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Phys.org