News Anthropology

Lice hang ancient date on first clothes

Genetic analysis puts origin at 190,000 years ago

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

ALBUQUERQUE — For once lice are nice, at least for scientists investigating the origins of garments.

BUGGY DUDS A genetic analysis of head and body lice suggests that people may have begun making and wearing clothing as early as 190,000 years ago. Janice Harney Carr, Center for Disease Control

Using DNA to trace the evolutionary split between head and body lice, researchers conclude that body lice first came on the scene approximately 190,000 years ago.