5,700-year-old ‘chewing gum’ helps recreate image of user: Researchers

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark have succeeded in extracting a complete human genome from the 5,700-year-old type of “chewing gum”, allowing them to recreate the image of its user and find clues to her dietary habits.

Based on the ancient human genome, the researchers could tell that the “chewing gum” made from the birch pitch was chewed by a woman.

She was genetically more closely related to hunter-gatherers from mainland Europe than to those who lived in central Scandinavia at that time, according to a study published in the journal Nature Communications.

They also found that she probably had dark skin, dark hair, and blue eyes.

“It’s amazing to have retrieved a complete ancient human genome from anything other than bone,” said lead researcher Hannes Schroeder, Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen.

“What’s more, we also retrieved DNA from oral microbes and several important human pathogens, which makes this a very valuable source of ancient DNA, especially for a time where we have no human remains,” Schroeder said.

The birch pitch was found during archaeological excavations at Syltholm on the island of Lolland, Denmark.

The researchers also identified traces of plant and animal DNA in the pitch — specifically hazelnuts and duck — which may have been part of the individual’s diet. (IANS)

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