Leukaemia began in ancient bats 45 million years ago - studyMarch 13, 2017 - 14:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Leukaemia began in ancient bent-winged bats up to 45 million years ago, a study has found, according to The Telegraph. A blood cancer-causing virus has been found in ancient DNA traces in a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments. The discovery provides a "missing link" in the fossil record of retroviruses - a family of viruses that date back almost half a billion years. Known as a "deltaretrovirus", human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) infects 15 to 20 million people worldwide and can cause leukaemia. It has long been believed "deltaretroviruses" have infected humans since prehistoric times. But because these viruses had no "fossil record", their deeper origins have until now remained a mystery. Dr Robert Gifford, of Glasgow University's centre for virus research, said: "The discovery of this viral sequence fills the last major gap in the fossil record of retroviruses. "It provides a means of calibrating the timeline of interaction between deltaretroviruses and their hosts." The study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences offers conclusive evidence these viruses are between 20 and 45 million years old. Leukaemia is a cancer of the white blood cells and bone marrow. Because white blood cells are found in the lymph nodes and the spleen, leukaemia can affect them, as well as other organs in the body. Leukaemia is a complicated disease. There are several types and subtypes. The name of the leukaemia you have depends on how quickly it develops and the type of white blood cell that becomes cancerous. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |