Ancient bones could help combat modern diseases

[Guest guest]

Ancient bones could help combat TB

The Guardian [uK],

July 13, 2008

 

Ancient bones from the city of Jericho are to be used by British

scientists to develop treatments for tuberculosis. The project is part

of a new scientific discipline in which archaeologists and medical

researchers are cooperating to gain insights into modern ailments. Other

diseases being tackled this way include syphilis, malaria, arthritis and

influenza. Ancient history holds vital clues in seeking out treatments

for modern diseases, according to these real-life counterparts of TV's

new archaeological detective series Bonekickers, starring Hugh

Bonneville and Adrian Lester. The programme gives dramatic relevance to

the study of archaeology, as UK scientists are doing with the study of

ancient diseases. This point is stressed by project leader Professor

Mark Spigelman, of University College London. 'I don't think we've got

new diseases today; we have got variations of old diseases,' he told The

Observer.

 

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