Archaeology breakthrough: Stone-age ‘chewing gum’ reveals DNA of 5,7000-year-old woman

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen claimed it was the first time an entire ancient human genome was obtained from anything other than bones. According to a study published this week in the journal Nature Communications, the DNA belonged to a young woman. Her DNA was obtained from teeth marks she left in an ancient form of chewing gum.

The primitive gum was actually heated, chewable tar from a birch tree and was often used as an all-purpose glue.

It has been found at other archaeological sights in the past, providing crucial insight into the time period.

The genetic analysis of the sample yielded a detailed insight into what the woman ate, where she was from and what kind of germs she carried in her mouth.

Lead researcher Dr. Hannes Schroeder said: “The preservation is incredibly good, and we managed to extract many different bacterial species that are characteristic of an oral microbiome.

“Our ancestors lived in a different environment and had a different lifestyle and diet, and it is therefore interesting to find out how this is reflected in their microbiome.”

He added: “It can help us understand how pathogens have evolved and spread over time, and what makes them particularly virulent in a given environment.

“At the same time, it may help predict how a pathogen will behave in the future, and how it might be contained or eradicated.”

Scientists constructed an image of the woman based on the DNA extracted from the specimen.

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This means settlers of what is now Denmark, may have actually come from modern-day Germany, for example, rather than Sweden.

The ancient chewing gum, called birch pitch, has many theories behind its use.

Some researchers believe it was chewed to make it malleable enough to be used to build tools.

Others suggest it could be used to relieve toothaches or other ailments.

Some theories suggest it was used as a kind of toothbrush.

The birch pitch may have also been used to suppress hunger or for fun as just a regular chewing gum.

Additionally, non-human DNA found in the gum included pathogens that cause glandular fever and pneumonia.

It also included many other natural viruses and bacteria.

Other plant and animal DNA revealed the woman had likely just finished a meal of hazelnuts and mallard duck.

However, her DNA showed there was no dairy in her diet because she was lactose-intolerant.

source: express.co.uk