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Canadian scientists say two of the deadliest pandemics in history were caused by strains of the same plague and warn that new versions of the bacteria could spark future outbreaks.
Researchers found tiny bits of DNA in the teeth of two German victims killed by the Justinian plague about 1,500 years ago. With those fragments, they reconstructed the genome of the oldest bacteria known.
The study shows the Justinian plague was caused by a strain of Yersinia pestis, the same pathogen responsible for the Black Death that struck medieval Europe.
The two plagues packed quite a punch. The Justinian Plague is thought to have wiped out half the globe as it spread across Asia, North Africa, the Middle East and Europe. And the Black Death killed about 50 million Europeans in just four years during the 14th century.
The plague is usually spread to humans by rodents whose fleas carry the bacteria.
As humans are infringing on rodents' territory, experts say it's only a matter of time before humans get more exposure to them.
But, experts doubt a modern plague epidemic will be as devastating.
They say the plague is something that will continue to happen, but modern-day antibiotics should be able to stop it.
About 200 rodent species carry the plague and can potentially infect other animals or humans.
And finally, Hong Kong's pop star Eason Chan has received the honorary degree presented by the Kingston University in London in recognition of his extraordinary achievements in the music industry.
Eason Chan returned to Kingston almost 20 years later to collect his honorary degree from vice Chancellor Professor Julius Weinberg at a graduation ceremony held at Rose Theatre.
Chan says it was a wonderful honor and brilliant recognition of his achievement in music.
Chan entered Kingston University and studied architecture in 1993. He left his course in 1995 to pursue a music career after winning a talent singing awards in Hong Kong.
Heather Forland, director of Kingston International Development, says Chan's musical influence has gone beyond language boundaries and he has become an international phenomenon.
Chan has formed a culture bridge between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong and inspired millions of his fans across the world.
Eason Chan will hold a personal concert in London in March, which is the third time for his shows in Britain. He was also the first Chinese singer performed at London O2 Arena.
