Black Death tooth (IMAGE) McMaster University Caption Using DNA extracted from teeth of people who died before, during and during the Black Death pandemic, researchers were able to identify genetic differences that dictated who survived and who died from the virus. Credit Matt Clarke/McMaster University Usage Restrictions None. License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.