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The Guardian - UK

Science

Ian Sample Science editor

Humans moving to ancient cities sent bedbug numbers soaring, say scientists

A bedbug — Bedbugs evolved more than 100m years ago and fed on the blood of an unknown host before parasitising bats and early humans. Photograph: Carolyn Kaster/AP

They survived the catastrophe that wiped out the dinosaurs, but bedbugs were in decline until the invention of the city, which sent their numbers soaring, researchers say.

Genetic analysis of a group of bedbugs showed their history was entwined with the human story, with the blood-sucking parasites spreading and thriving as humans crammed together in large settlements.

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