It's amazing what DNA analysis can discover. In the first time this technique was used for an Egyptian royal mummy, scientists found that King Tut had to use a cane to walk because he was frail and had a deformed foot, and he had multiple infections with malaria. This is the oldest genetic proof of malaria, and was discovered because scientists found DNA from the malaria parasite in King Tut's body. He may have died from the malaria and a fractured thighbone.
Another surprise was that King Tut's parents were full brother and sister. This wasn't abnormal in ancient Egyptian times, but the inbreeding no doubt was not good for Tut's health.
Scientists were surprised by the quality of King Tut's DNA, along with that from his family members, because it was better than younger mummy's DNA, most likely because of the embalming techniques used for royal mummification.
After I read this article, I realized this is old news from 2010, but I don't remember hearing about it, so I thought I'd share anyway.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/100216-king-tut-malaria-bones-inbred-tutankhamun/
Another surprise was that King Tut's parents were full brother and sister. This wasn't abnormal in ancient Egyptian times, but the inbreeding no doubt was not good for Tut's health.
Scientists were surprised by the quality of King Tut's DNA, along with that from his family members, because it was better than younger mummy's DNA, most likely because of the embalming techniques used for royal mummification.
After I read this article, I realized this is old news from 2010, but I don't remember hearing about it, so I thought I'd share anyway.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/100216-king-tut-malaria-bones-inbred-tutankhamun/