Paleogenetics and infectious diseases

This lecture will cover the latest advances in the discipline of paleogenetics, i.e., the genetic study of organisms and populations of the past, through the study of ancient DNA. We'll see how interbreeding with other, now-extinct human forms, or between different human populationstoday, has been a facilitator of our survival in the face of pathogens. In addition, we'll see how the study of microbial DNA from fossils, such as that of the causative agent of the Black Death, has helped us to better understand the extent of past epidemics.