Sunday, 11 October 2026 Updated 48 min ago
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Neanderthals may have used prehistoric glue as an ancient antibiotic

Neanderthals may have used a sticky substance made from birch bark to treat wounds thousands of years before antibiotics existed.

ScienceDaily reports: Neanderthals may have used a sticky substance made from birch bark to treat wounds thousands of years before antibiotics existed.

Researchers recreated ancient birch tar production techniques and discovered that every sample could inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for dangerous wound infections. Previously known mainly as a prehistoric glue, birch tar may have doubled as a surprisingly effective natural medicine.

This science story centres on the United States.

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Research developments are often early steps — further studies typically determine how significant they prove to be.

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Location
United States · Americas
Reported by
ScienceDaily
First reported
Section
Science

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