Human migrations recorded in lice

One animal has accompanied humans on all of our great migrations: the louse (Pediculus humanus capitis). Its genetics might help to reveal the full extent of our travels. Researchers looked at the genetic variation in lice from around the world and found signs of a genetic link between lice in Asia and those in Central America that might be the mark of ancient humans’ arrival in the Americas. Supporting that theory, louse DNA seems to accurately reflect the known timeline of European settlers mingling with Indigenous Americans.