A surprising ally in unraveling the mysteries of human migration emerges—head lice. While scientists typically turn to bones and artifacts, a recent study reveals that the genetics of head lice provide valuable insights into the timing and locations of human groups’ divergence and interaction. Examining the shared genetic affinity between European and American lice, dating back to the European colonization of the Americas, offers a fresh perspective on ancient relationships that may elude human DNA and archaeological evidence.
Lice, it seems, hold the potential to be a novel avenue for exploring the intricacies of human history and migration, shedding light on connections not easily deciphered by traditional methods.
Read more at: https://www.science.org/content/article/lice-dna-records-moment-europeans-colonized-americas
