Genomic Evidence Traces Smallpox Origins in Chile as Bio-Inspired Tech Mimics Canines
Recent molecular analysis confirms that European colonists introduced smallpox to South America, leading to massive Indigenous population declines. Separately, engineers developed a high-efficiency cooling material modeled after the unique microscopic structures of a dog's tongue.
Key takeaways
- Ancient DNA from Chilean remains proves smallpox arrived in South America via a European lineage that branched off around 1296.
- The BioCCS material uses microscopic grooves and nanowires to remove 150% more heat than standard cooling methods without using electricity.
- Plant proteins improve gut health by reaching the colon where bacteria convert them into hippuric acid, provided enough soluble fiber is present.
- Smallpox genomes show the virus adapted to humans until the mid-1500s before entering a 200-year period of genomic stability.
Genetic Sequencing Confirms Smallpox Transmission Routes
Molecular evidence recovered from ancient remains in Chile has provided the first direct proof that European colonizers introduced smallpox to South American populations. Scientists successfully reconstructed ancient viral genomes, identifying a now-extinct lineage that diverged from European strains approximately in the year 1296. Indigenous communities, lacking natural immunity to the pathogen, suffered catastrophic population collapses following contact. Genetic analysis indicates the virus underwent active adaptation to human hosts until the mid-16th century, after which the strain remained largely stable for two centuries.
Bio-Inspired Engineering Mimics Beagle Physiology
A new cooling technology for electronics, dubbed BioCCS, has emerged from the study of beagle tongues. Researchers identified previously unknown hair-like structures that facilitate the rapid spread and evaporation of saliva, a primary cooling mechanism for dogs. BioCCS replicates this via microscopic surface grooves and internal nanowires. These nanowires weaken water molecule bonds to accelerate evaporation. Experimental results show BioCCS dissipates 150% more heat than conventional materials, functioning efficiently without the need for external power sources or mechanical pumps.
Synergy of Plant Proteins and Fiber in Gut Health
New research clarifies the biological mechanisms that make plant-based diets effective for microbiome stability. Unlike animal proteins that the body absorbs early in the digestive process, many plant proteins reach the colon. In this environment, gut bacteria transform them into hippuric acid and other beneficial compounds. The presence of soluble fiber is a requirement for this protection; in fiber-deficient diets, bacteria may consume the body's protective mucus layer, leading to toxin production. The combination of plant proteins and fiber maintains the integrity of the internal mucosal environment.
Source: The Hindu — Sci-Tech
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