Two ancient humans, including famed ‘Iceman,’ had cancer-causing virus

Findings from ancient DNA indicate that two ancient humans, including the well-known ‘Iceman,’ were infected with a cancer-causing virus, specifically human papillomavirus (HPV). This evidence suggests that HPV has been a persistent issue affecting humans for thousands of years, challenging the notion that it is a relatively modern concern. The implications of these findings contribute to understanding the evolution of HPV and its long-term impact on human health.