"Making the leap

Researchers can't say exactly when the parasite first infected humans, because little is known about the rate of evolution for P. falciparum. However, the leap probably occurred between 5,000 and 300,000 years ago, Hahn said.

There is a possibility that another cross-species leap could occur, Hahn said, but "there is a pretty high bar." The genetic analysis showed no evidence of frequent cross-species infections, she said."

Is it a coincidence that the jump occured during the same time period science has alloted for the existence of the Neanderthal?