In a groundbreaking contribution to the understanding of infectious disease history, Mississippi State University’s Professor of Anthropology Molly Zuckerman and graduate student Lydia Bailey have published a compelling article in the prestigious journal Science. Their research re-examines the origins of diseases closely linked to syphilis, advancing the timeline of their emergence by more than 5,000 years. This study significantly challenges previous assumptions of a European origin for these diseases, instead presenting persuasive genetic evidence supporting their roots in the Americas.
The article presents a synthesis of recent paleogenomic discoveries from archaeological sites in Colombia and Mexico. Leveraging state-of-the-art ancient DNA extraction and sequencing technologies, Zuckerman and Bailey analyze pathogen genetic material recovered from skeletal remains dating back millennia. This methodological approach allows them to trace the evolutionary trajectory of syphilis-related pathogens with unprecedented resolution, revealing a rich tapestry of human-pathogen co-evolution long before the Columbian exchange.
Historically, syphilis and its related infections have been framed primarily within a Eurocentric narrative, largely due to 15th- and 16th-century European records describing outbreaks following transatlantic contact. However, the new genetic data dismantles this paradigm by demonstrating the presence and diversification of syphilis-related treponemal bacteria in pre-Columbian America. This reshapes the understanding of historical epidemiology and underscores the Americas as a critical crucible for infectious disease evolution.
Zuckerman’s research delves into the mechanisms of pathogen adaptability over extensive temporal scales. By examining ancient DNA sequences, the authors reveal evolutionary patterns wherein the pathogen’s genome exhibits signatures of selective pressures, hinting at complex host-pathogen interactions shaped by human migration, environmental factors, and societal behaviors. This insight enriches the contemporary understanding of infectious disease resilience and potential mutation pathways.
The implications of this study extend to current public health challenges. Syphilis, despite medical advancements, has seen a troubling resurgence in multiple populations globally, especially within the United States. By uncovering the deep historical roots and adaptive capabilities of these pathogens, Zuckerman and Bailey emphasize the importance of integrating evolutionary perspectives into modern disease management strategies, which may inform future vaccine development and therapeutic interventions.
Lydia Bailey, whose expertise bridges applied anthropology and public health policy, highlights the value of studying infectious diseases “in deep time.” This long temporal lens informs how human mobility patterns, environmental contexts, and social behaviors historically influenced pathogen spread — lessons that are increasingly relevant in a globally interconnected world facing emerging infectious threats.
The collaboration between mentor and mentee exemplifies a dynamic model of scholarly development. Zuckerman reflects on her formative experience under a graduate mentor engaged in syphilis research, acknowledging how that formative inclusion helped carve her academic trajectory. Now, by involving Bailey intimately in this high-impact publication, she fosters the continuity of rigorous scientific inquiry and mentorship in the field of disease anthropology.
The study’s multidisciplinary approach—integrating anthropology, genomics, and epidemiology—demonstrates how ancient DNA research is revolutionizing longstanding debates about the origins and diffusion of human infectious diseases. This fusion of fields not only provides historical context but also situates disease evolution within broader narratives of human cultural and biological history.
Moreover, the publication aims to destigmatize infectious diseases by enriching public discourse with nuanced scientific understanding. Bailey suggests that expanding the conversation beyond academic boundaries associated with anthropology into mainstream public health discussions encourages empathy and informed policy-making, which are essential to equitable health outcomes.
As scientific techniques continue to advance, particularly in paleogenomics, new windows open onto the complex histories of pathogens. This ongoing research trajectory promises to yield further revelations about how ancient diseases emerged, adapted, and impacted human societies—knowledge that remains crucial as humanity confronts modern pandemics and antibiotic resistance challenges.
Mississippi State University’s College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures support this innovative research framework, fostering an environment where interdisciplinary studies of health, history, and society thrive. Their commitment to advancing knowledge on infectious diseases across temporal and cultural dimensions underscores the importance of academic institutions in addressing global health crises.
Ultimately, Zuckerman and Bailey’s article, published on January 22, 2026, in Science, not only rewrites chapters of medical history but also serves as a clarion call for integrating evolutionary biology into current efforts to control sexually transmitted infections. Their work exemplifies how ancient DNA can illuminate the present and inform the future of human health.
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Uncovering the secrets of syphilis
News Publication Date: 22-Jan-2026
Web References: www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.aee7963
Image Credits: Office of Public Affairs, Mississippi State University
Keywords: Syphilis; Infectious diseases; Sexually transmitted diseases; Anthropology
