An ancient piece of chewing gum has revealed the entire genome of an ancient human

, Dec. 17 (Xinhua Zhang Mengran) From a sample of chewed ancient "chewing gum" - eucalyptus asphalt, scientists have obtained the entire genome of an ancient human named "Lola" 5,700 years ago. By analyzing the DNA of plants, animals and microorganisms contained in eucalyptus asphalt, the oral microbiome of "Lola" and possible dietary sources are also revealed. The genetics study was published in the British journal Nature Communications on the 17th.
eucalyptus asphalt is produced by heating the bark of the birch tree and has been used as a adhesive since the Meso-Renewal (about 760,000-126,000 years ago). Small pieces of eucalyptus asphalt have been found at archaeological sites, often containing toothmarks, indicating that the substances have been chewed, just like a piece of chewing gum.
this time, Hannas Schoud, an archaeologist at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, and his colleagues sequenced human DNA from asphalt samples from eucalyptus trees, identified the individual as a woman and named her "Lola." Based on genetic variations in multiple genes, the researchers found that "Lola" may have dark hair, dark skin, and blue eyes.
team believes she is closer to Western hunter-gatherers in continental Europe than to hunter-gatherers in central Scandinavia. The researchers also analyzed non-human ancient DNA found in eucalyptus asphalt and detected bacterial species with oral microbial characteristics, including some known pathogens, such as periodontitis-related gum monocytobacteria. In addition, the measured DNA sequence can correspond to plants and animals such as hazelnuts and wild ducks, which the researchers believe may be a residue from previous meals.