Herbivorous Neanderthals and the Use of Penicillin

According to New Scientist magazine, a group of researchers from the University of Adelaide, Australia, found that two groups of Neanderthals living in different parts of Europe had distinct diets. DNA from two Neanderthals dating back 48,000 years from the El Sidrón area in northern Spain indicates they primarily consumed moss, algae, tree bark, plants, and fungi. In contrast, DNA from a Neanderthal from 39,000 years ago in an area known as Spa in present-day Belgium shows that this group ate rhinoceros, sheep, and fungi, with no plant consumption. This new research, led by Laura Weyrich from the University of Adelaide, was published last week in the journal Nature. A surprising finding for some researchers is the presence of deep wounds on the bones of the El Sidrón Neanderthals, which are typically interpreted as signs of cannibalism. This group may have been herbivorous but could have fallen prey to carnivorous Neanderthals. Some researchers advise caution in interpreting the results of this new study, as much of the information was gathered from bacteria in the oral cavity, making it uncertain whether it fully clarifies the dietary sources of these beings. One of the two Neanderthals from El Sidrón, a teenage boy, had a large abscess in his teeth. New DNA analysis indicates he suffered from diarrhea and had parasites in his digestive system. Previous studies had shown that this teenager consumed plants with anti-inflammatory properties. The new research also found plant remains from the poplar tree family in his body, which has analgesic properties and is a key component of modern aspirin. Additionally, DNA from his teeth contained fungi with natural penicillin, the primary source of penicillin discovery and production. However, it cannot be definitively stated that Neanderthals consumed this type of fungus for its medicinal properties; it may have been part of their regular diet. The Washington Post also notes that examining the microbes in the teeth of Neanderthals reveals interesting secrets about their diet. Teeth are the hardest part of the human body and can withstand thousands of years of decay better than any other organ. Therefore, Dr. Keith Dobney, a professor of human paleontology at the University of Liverpool, and his colleagues have discovered extraordinary secrets from Neanderthal teeth. According to him, teeth are like a treasure trove of biological information, not only about direct dietary evidence but also about the ecosystem that forms and evolves around us. Dr. Keith Dobney states, 'By studying bacteria and pathogens, a completely new scientific method has been created that will change our view of the past.'