DNA lice reveal human migration

Gene of lice can reveal the history of human migration, according to a new study.

New research results published in PLOS ONE also show that efforts to remove blood-sucking parasites may need to focus on local communities, rather than trying to destroy them. around the globe.

The findings could help scientists understand how the lice evolved against insecticides.

Lice have sucked primates' blood to survive for more than 25 million years, although they may be the first to cause harm to humanity when people start dressing.

Lice are parasites that suck blood from primates, including humans, to survive.

Because humans dominate the globe, lice are also present throughout our planet. Previous studies have looked at the lice 's genome, but rely on DNA transmitted from females, making it difficult to create a complete picture of human migration.

To overcome that problem, Marina Ascunce, an entomologist at the Florida Museum of Natural History and colleagues, analyzed the DNA nucleus, the genetic material transmitted from both male and female. which, in 75 specimens collected from 10 locations across 4 regions: Asia, North America, Central America and Europe. They also collected lice on the clothes of people in Nepal and Canada.

The team found that lice from Honduras are very similar to lice in Asia.

'Lice from Honduras can be brought by the first people to America. And that's why we see this closer genetic relationship, ' said Ms. Ascunce.

In contrast, lice from New York are more closely related to parasites in Europe. According to Ms. Ascunce, this seems to reflect the waves of colonization of European colonies in North America for centuries.

In addition, since there are not many gene flows among different lice communities, insecticides may be more effective if they target specific genetic vulnerabilities for each local community.

Ascunce added that, although her research is the first step, collecting samples of lice is more widespread, around the world can provide a better look at why head lice are different. Lice live on clothes, potentially spreading deadly diseases.

Genetic analysis can also reveal the time and place of modern humans to mate with Neanderthals and other apes, the team concluded.