A powerful explosion in space has altered the evolution of viruses in Africa, revealing new findings by scientists.

Scientists believe that a relatively nearby supernova explosion approximately 2-3 million years ago led to an evolutionary shift in viruses in Lake Tanganyika in Africa at that time. The connection between these two events remains controversial, but if confirmed, it could alter our understanding of the driving forces behind the emergence of new species, not just in the realm of viruses. The study was published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, reports IFLScience.

When supernovae (explosions of massive stars) occur close to Earth, they produce a very bright flash of light and a release of radiation that can impact our atmosphere. As a result of the explosion, isotopes of various chemical elements, particularly iron-60, may also reach Earth.

Researchers analyzed the iron-60 isotope and determined that it arrived on Earth as a result of a supernova explosion relatively close to us around 2-3 million years ago. The authors of the study believe that the radiation emitted from the explosion reached Earth with enough power to damage the DNA of living organisms and possibly caused viruses in Lake Tanganyika (Africa) to mutate into new forms.

Modeling indicates that the supernova exploded over 200 light-years away from us in the Tucana constellation. This group consists of loosely bound gravitational star clusters that formed in one location but then dispersed throughout the universe.

As a result of the supernova explosion, radiation levels on Earth may have increased, particularly affecting Africa. Scientists estimate that viruses in Lake Tanganyika mutated over a period of approximately 10,000 years.

Researchers believe that the radiation levels on Earth were insufficient to cause a mass extinction, but they were enough to enhance mutation rates and accelerate the emergence of new viral species.

Scientists suggest that the radiation from the supernova could have influenced not only the evolution of viruses but also the evolution of other living organisms on Earth.

The authors of the study relied on previous scientific works during their modeling, which showed a sharp increase in viral diversity in Lake Tanganyika around 2-3 million years ago. Researchers state that it is not possible to establish a direct link between the supernova explosion and viral mutations, but both events occurred around the same time.

Viral diversity around that period should also be observed in other locations to support the theory that the radiation caused by the supernova explosion was to blame.