Neanderthals May Have Used Prehistoric Glue as Antibiotic

Topic: Biology

Scientists recreated birch tar, a sticky substance used by Neanderthals to make tools. They found that it has antibacterial properties, which could have helped protect wounds from infection.

Neanderthals may have used a sticky substance made from tree bark not only to construct tools but also to treat wounds and fight bacterial infections.

Scientists have discovered that birch tar, a material commonly associated with prehistoric toolmaking, has antibacterial properties. This means it can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in wounds. The findings come from a study conducted by researchers at the University of Cologne, the University of Oxford, the University of Liège, and Cape Breton University in Canada.

The team produced birch tar using techniques believed to have been used by Neanderthals. They tested its ability to inhibit harmful bacteria and found that it was effective against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium commonly associated with wound infections.

Why It Matters

This discovery is important because it shows that ancient humans may have had a better understanding of how to prevent infection than we thought. It also highlights the potential for natural substances to be used as medicines.

Key Facts

• Birch tar was used by Neanderthals to make tools and may have been used to treat wounds.
• The study found that birch tar has antibacterial properties, which can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in wounds.
• Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium commonly associated with wound infections.
• The researchers produced birch tar using techniques believed to have been used by Neanderthals.
• The study was published in PLOS One under the title 'Antibacterial properties of experimentally produced birch tar and its medicinal affordances in the Pleistocene'.

Key Terms

Birch Tar

A sticky substance made from tree bark, used by Neanderthals to make tools and potentially as a medicine.

Implications

This discovery is important because it shows that ancient humans may have had a better understanding of how to prevent infection than we thought. It also highlights the potential for natural substances to be used as medicines.