Scientists at the University of Copenhagen successfully extracted a complete ancient human genome from 5,700-year-old “chewing gum.”
The first-of-its-kind research was published in the journal Nature Communications.
“It is amazing to have gotten a complete ancient human genome from anything other than bone,” lead study author Hannes Schroeder, an assistant professor at the University’s Globe Institute, said in a statement.
“What is more, we also retrieved DNA from oral microbes and several important human pathogens,” he continued. “Which makes this a very valuable source of ancient DNA, especially for time periods where we have no human remains.”
The “gum” (actually masticated lumps made from birch bark pitch) was found during archaeological excavations at Sylthom in southern Denmark, a “completely unique” area, according to Globe Institute postdoc Their Jensen.
“Almost everything is sealed in mud,” he explained. “Which means that the preservation of organic remains is absolutely phenomenal.”
The birch pitch found at Syltholm in Denmark (via Theis Jensen/University of Copenhagen)
DNA results feature trace amounts of plant (hazelnut) and animal (duck), which may have been consumed by the chewer—believed to be a female with dark skin, dark hair, and blue eyes, whom scientists have christened “Lola.”
“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,” Schroeder said.
“It can help us understand how pathogens have evolved and spread over time, and what makes them particularly virulent in a given environment,” he added. “At the same time, it may help predict how a pathogen will behave in the future, and how it might be contained or eradicated.”
The team also found DNA that could be assigned to Epstein-Barr Virus, known to cause infectious mononucleosis or glandular fever.
Earlier this year, researchers at nearby Stockholm University published a paper describing ancient, 10,000-year-old “chewing gum” (also birch pitch), which contains DNA from the first humans to settle in Scandinavia—two females and one male.
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