Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by analyzing two Neanderthal bones that are approximately 50,000 years old. The analysis revealed the presence of three modern viruses: adenovirus, herpes virus, and papillomavirus. This remarkable finding indicates that these viruses are the oldest known human viruses, dating back around 70,000 years.

The bones, discovered in a cave in Russia, suggest that these ancient viruses could have played a role in the extinction of Neanderthals. The study, published in the journal bioRxiv, provides significant insights into human evolution and the ancient health challenges faced by our distant relatives.

Researchers believe that understanding these ancient viruses can shed light on the interactions between early humans and their environment, as well as the evolutionary pressures that shaped our species. The presence of these viruses in Neanderthal remains highlights the longstanding battle between humans and pathogens, a struggle that continues to this day.